Temperatures in the western United States have been decreasing after reaching highs late last week and over the weekend. However, a more significant drop is expected later this week, with some areas experiencing accumulating snow and heavy thunderstorms, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill, Phoenix saw a 100-degree reading on April 10, tying as the third-earliest date in the calendar year to hit 100 degrees. High temperatures in Phoenix trended down from the 90s over the weekend, with highs expected to be in the 80s on Thursday, and dropping to the 70s on Friday and Saturday.
Similarly, near Palm Springs, California, temperatures reached 100 degrees on Friday and Saturday during the Coachella 2025 festival. Next weekend, attendees may encounter gusty showers and thunderstorms on Friday, followed by more typical mid-April highs in the mid-80s on Saturday and Sunday.
Many areas inland of the Pacific coast in Southern California experienced their fifth warmest April 9-11 on record, with high temperatures in the 70s over the weekend. Temperatures are projected to cool further this week, with highs near 60 by Friday.
A substantial dip in the jet stream from Wednesday to Friday will bring drenching showers and thunderstorms to regions from Montana and Idaho to California and Nevada. The recent warmth combined with thunderstorms may cause rapid snow melting on higher elevations, increasing the risk of flooding in some areas.
Gusty winds ahead of the temperature drop may lead to dust storms and heightened wildfire risk in the deserts to the southern Plains. As colder air settles in, gusty winds are expected along the Pacific coast, particularly over mountains, passes, and canyons.
The weather pattern will start over the northern Rockies on Wednesday and move southward over the West on Thursday and Friday. Denver broke a record-high temperature on Friday but is expected to see snowfall by Thursday night and Friday as a storm moves southward over the Rockies, leading to slippery travel conditions.
Later in the week, low clouds and fog along the Southern California coast will become more widespread and persistent. Motorists are advised to be cautious of reduced visibility.
“The possibility of increased transit time should be considered in anticipation of upcoming showers and thunderstorms after recent clear mornings,” Merrill advised. “These weather conditions may lead to slick roads until oil deposits are washed away. For top-tier safety and ad-free experience, upgrade to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app to access advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts. Our expert meteorologists continuously monitor hazardous weather risks to provide prompt AccuWeather Alerts™ for your safety and peace of mind.”
