It is early morning on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and if you’re stepping outside in the San Fernando Valley, the air feels a lot different than you’d expect for the dead of winter. Right now, the current temperature in Van Nuys CA is hovering around 57°F.
While that might sound like a standard, crisp California morning, don't let the early chill fool you. We are in the middle of a significant warming trend. By this afternoon, the mercury is expected to climb all the way to a high of 79°F.
Honestly, it’s basically summer in January.
Most people expect the Valley to be damp or at least cool this time of year, but the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the area. We’re dealing with a prolonged Santa Ana wind event. These dry, northeasterly gusts are compressing the air as it drops down from the mountains, which is exactly why the thermometer is working overtime today.
What’s Driving Today’s Heat in the Valley?
If you've lived in Van Nuys for a while, you know the drill. When the winds start kicking up dust over at the Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), the temperature usually spikes. Today, we’re seeing humidity levels drop to a bone-dry 26% to 30%.
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That’s exceptionally low.
It means the air has almost no moisture to hold onto, allowing the sun to bake the pavement and the valley floor quickly. According to local meteorologists at the Oxnard NWS office, these conditions are being fueled by a high-pressure system sitting over the Great Basin. It's pushing air toward the coast, and as that air descends, it heats up.
- Current morning temp: 57°F
- Expected afternoon peak: 78°F to 80°F
- Wind speeds: North-northeast at 15–20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph.
This isn't just "nice weather." It's actually about 10 to 15 degrees above the seasonal average for mid-January. Usually, Van Nuys sees highs in the mid-60s this time of month. If you’re heading out to Lake Balboa Park or grabbing lunch on Van Nuys Blvd, you’ll definitely want to skip the heavy jacket.
The Impact of the Santa Ana Wind Advisory
The Wind Advisory is currently set to remain in effect until Wednesday afternoon. While the winds help keep the skies crystal clear—visibility is currently a perfect 10 miles—they bring their own set of problems.
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Driving high-profile vehicles on the 405 or the 101 today might feel a bit sketchy. The gusts are localized, but they can catch you off guard near the passes. Also, even though we had some rain earlier in the month (nearly 1.16 inches on New Year's Day), this dry spell is rapidly sucking the moisture out of the surface brush.
Fire risk is always a "maybe" in LA, but the NWS notes that because the deep-rooted plants are still somewhat hydrated from recent rains, the "Red Flag" danger isn't at critical levels yet. Still, it's dry enough to make your skin feel like parchment.
How This Compares to Typical Van Nuys Winters
Van Nuys is a bit of a weather anomaly. Because it’s tucked away in the center of the San Fernando Valley, it lacks the coastal breeze that keeps Santa Monica or Venice cool.
When it gets hot here, it stays hot.
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Historical data shows that January 13 has seen extremes before. The record high for this date was 85°F back in 1996. On the flip side, in 1950, it dropped to a shivering 30°F. Today’s 79°F doesn't break the record, but it's certainly knocking on the door.
Interestingly, the "RealFeel" temperature—that proprietary metric AccuWeather uses—is actually sitting right around 77°F for the afternoon. Since the sun is at a lower angle in January, the shade feels significantly cooler (about 75°F) than standing in direct sunlight.
If you are planning your week, keep the short sleeves handy. Wednesday is looking even warmer, with forecasts suggesting a high of 83°F. It won't be until next week, around January 23, that we see any significant cooling or a chance of rain returning to the forecast.
Staying Comfortable in the Heat
With the current temperature in Van Nuys CA trending so high, your routine might need a slight adjustment. Hydration is the big one. When the humidity is this low, you don't always realize how much you're sweating because it evaporates instantly.
- Use a heavy-duty moisturizer; the Santa Ana winds are notorious for causing chapped lips and "winter" skin.
- Secure any loose patio furniture or umbrellas if you're on the north end of the valley near the hills.
- Check on your pets; even though 79°F isn't "deadly" hot, the dry wind can dehydrate animals faster than usual.
Basically, enjoy the clear blue skies while they last. This "false spring" is a classic Los Angeles staple, but it usually ends with a sudden return to reality. For now, the Valley is the place to be if you’re looking to soak up some unseasonal sun.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the wind gusts if you're planning any outdoor activities near the Van Nuys Airport, as the crosswinds can be unpredictable through Wednesday afternoon. If you have sensitive plants, give them an extra deep soak tonight to combat the drying effects of the low-humidity winds before the heat peaks again tomorrow.