Your go-to guide for the Southwest’s weather complexities. Get the forecast for sunny days and brisk nights, plus safety tips for UV exposure!

This comprehensive guide by Amy Freeze offers a deep dive into the Southwest’s varied climate—from sun-drenched San Diego to frosty Ely. We cover daily and nightly conditions, upcoming temperature changes, and practical advice for enjoying the region safely under the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
On the regional radar for the Southwest, rain showers are moving towards the central California coast, bringing precipitation to areas including San Francisco and Fresno. Meanwhile, snow is evident in higher elevations around Reno and extending towards Ely, where a mix of icy conditions could develop. In the Southern California region, skies are predominantly clear, offering a pleasant day for Los Angeles and San Diego. In Las Vegas, conditions remain dry, while further east, Flagstaff might see some snow flurries as clouds begin moving in. Cedar City could see some approaching precipitation later in the day.
Expect a sunny start to your evening in Salt Lake City at 9 PM, with temperatures around 64 degrees and a gentle NNE breeze at 6 mph. By 11 PM, skies transition to mostly clear as temperatures dip to 59 degrees with winds shifting to ESE at 6 mph. Overnight, partly cloudy conditions settle in, taking temperatures down to 55 degrees at 1 AM accompanied by a slight increase in ESE winds to 7 mph.
Tonight, the Southwest region is experiencing notable temperature drops. Flagstaff is expected to dip down to a chilly 34 degrees, while Ely hits a frigid 28. Las Vegas will cool off to 61, and Phoenix stays mild at 63 degrees. In contrast, San Diego and Los Angeles will see lows of 54.
High temperatures for the Southwest region tomorrow are expected to soar above average. Phoenix is set to reach a sizzling 91 degrees, while Las Vegas will warm up to 86. Bakersfield and Fresno will also experience impressive highs of 88 and 86 degrees, respectively. Coastal cities like San Diego and Los Angeles are slightly cooler at 70 degrees each.
A cold front moves through the Southwest, bringing a shift towards cooler and breezy conditions on Tuesday. Expect gusty winds, especially in areas near the mountains, with temperatures dropping by about 10 degrees.
The UV index in Salt Lake City for today and tomorrow will reach a high of 7. This indicates strong sun exposure, with a burn time of about 20 minutes in direct sunlight. It’s essential to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours. Take precautions to enjoy the sunny days safely!
For the 7-day forecast in Salt Lake City: Sunday: Partly cloudy with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 47. Monday: A clear day ahead with a high of 63 degrees, dropping to 42 at night. Tuesday: Partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching a high of 69 degrees and a low of 48. Wednesday: Same as Tuesday, partly cloudy with a high of 67 degrees and a nighttime low of 47. Thursday: It’s mostly cloudy with a peak temperature of 69 degrees, cooling to 51 overnight. Friday: The sun makes a comeback with mostly sunny conditions, a high of 72 degrees, and a low of 48. Saturday: Wrap up the week with partly cloudy skies, a high of 60 degrees, and a low of 42.