On the TemperatureRadar, it looks like Phoenix and Flagstaff are experiencing completely different weather systems simply because their high temperature forecasts are 24 degrees apart. However, it comes down to their differences in elevation.

Arizona's topography transitions quickly from flat desert to high mountain peaks. In fact, Phoenix and Flagstaff are only around 150 miles apart, but Flagstaff is almost 6,000 feet higher than the Phoenix valley. You can see the topographical differences when zooming in on the WeatherRadar.

The changes in elevation greatly impact the weather. The higher you go in the atmosphere, the cooler the temperatures. This is also why you see snow falling in the mountains and rain in the valleys - yes, even on a spring or summer day for the highest peaks.

You can find this vast difference in temperatures in other mountain spots across the U.S., like in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho.