Honestly, if you're looking at the 10 day forecast Murrieta right now, you might think we’re skipping winter entirely. It’s mid-January, specifically Thursday the 15th, and the high today hit a staggering 79°F. That’s not a typo. While the rest of the country is digging out from snow, Murrieta is basically pretending it’s a mild May afternoon.
But don't let the 60°F nighttime air fool you. Things are shifting.
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The Current Vibe and the 10 Day Forecast Murrieta Shift
Right now, the skies are clear and the humidity is sitting around 47%. It’s that crisp, dry Southern California air that makes you want to go for a hike at the Santa Rosa Plateau. Today, we had a light 2 mph breeze from the northwest, making it feel just about perfect. However, if you check the 10 day forecast Murrieta, you'll see a bit of a rollercoaster starting up.
We’ve had this run of sunny, 70-degree days, but looking ahead through the next week and a half, the "winter" part of the year is planning a comeback.
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What to Expect Over the Next Week
For the next few days—Friday the 16th through the weekend—we’re holding onto the warmth. Expect highs to stay in the mid-to-high 70s. Saturday and Sunday look like they'll bring some partial cloud cover, but nothing that's going to ruin your outdoor plans.
- Friday (Jan 16): 75°F High | 49°F Low (Sunny and consistent)
- Saturday (Jan 17): 79°F High | 50°F Low (A few clouds, still very warm)
- Sunday (Jan 18): 78°F High | 48°F Low (Nice, but cooling slightly)
Then, things get interesting. Around Monday and Tuesday, the ridge of high pressure that’s been keeping us warm starts to break down. You’ll see the temperatures dip into the mid-70s, and by mid-week, we're looking at 67°F. By next Friday, the 23rd, there’s actually a 30% chance of rain.
Why Murrieta Weather is So Weird in January
People always get surprised by how much the temperature swings here. Because we’re in a bit of a valley but still influenced by the ocean, we get these wild diurnal shifts. A 30-degree difference between 2:00 PM and 2:00 AM is totally normal.
Historically, Murrieta averages about 64°F in January. The fact that we're pushing 80°F this week is definitely on the high side of the bell curve. Usually, this is our wettest month, averaging about 2.2 to 2.5 inches of rain. So far, 2026 has been a bit stubborn with the moisture, but the end of the 10-day window suggests that the rainy periods are finally lining up.
The Santa Ana Influence
The wind is the real player here. Earlier today, we saw some gusts from the north/northeast. When those winds kick up, they compress and heat up as they come down the mountains. That’s why you’re wearing a t-shirt in the middle of January. But once that wind dies down and the "marine layer" or just cooler Pacific air creeps back in, you’ll be reaching for a parka by 6:00 PM.
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Planning Your Next 10 Days
If you're a local or just visiting, here is the move:
- Layer up. I know, everyone says it. But seriously, starting at 52°F in the morning and hitting 79°F by lunch is a challenge for any outfit.
- Wash the car now. You’ve got a solid window of sun until at least next Wednesday. After that, the "30% chance" of rain on the 23rd might actually turn into something real.
- Check the UV. Even though it’s winter, the UV index is still hitting 2 or 3. It's not scorching, but if you're out all day, it adds up.
Basically, enjoy the heatwave while it lasts. The back half of the 10 day forecast Murrieta shows a return to reality with cooler, gloomier, and potentially wetter conditions.
Actionable Insights for Murrieta Residents
- Landscaping: If you were waiting to plant anything, hold off until the cooler dip next week so the sun doesn't shock the new roots.
- Hydration: Dry 33% humidity today means you're losing more water than you think, even if you aren't sweating.
- Energy: Keep the windows open at night to cool the house for free, then close them by 9:00 AM to trap that 50-degree air before the afternoon heat hits.