Honestly, if you woke up in San Francisco this morning and couldn't see the car parked across the street, you aren't alone. It is Friday, January 16, 2026, and the Bay Area is currently doing that thing where it tries to be three different climates at once.
Right now, it’s about 51°F across most of the metro area. If you’re standing right by the water, it feels a bit crisper because of a light north wind humming at around 6 mph. Humidity is sitting high at 74%, which basically means your hair is going to do whatever it wants today.
The Great Inversion of 2026
We are currently stuck in what meteorologists call a temperature inversion. It sounds fancy, but it basically means the air is upside down. Usually, air gets colder as you go up. Right now? It’s the opposite. Cold air is trapped on the valley floors—hence the dense fog—while the folks up in the Santa Cruz Mountains or the Berkeley Hills are actually enjoying warmer air.
According to the National Weather Service, this setup is why we’ve seen so many Spare the Air alerts lately. This is actually the third one we’ve had in just the first 16 days of 2026. When the air doesn't move, the "gunk" stays put.
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What to Expect for the Rest of Friday
Don't let the gloomy morning fool you. This fog is the "burn-off" kind, not the "settle-in-for-three-days" kind.
- Midday: Expect the sun to punch through by 11:00 AM.
- Highs: We are looking at a very pleasant 61°F for the afternoon high.
- Winds: Shifting slightly to the northeast, still keeping a gentle pace.
- Tonight: Temps will dip back down to 48°F.
If you're planning to head out tonight, it’ll be partly cloudy. There is a tiny 5% chance of rain after midnight, but honestly, you probably won't even need an umbrella. It’s more of a "misty windshield" situation than a "soaking storm."
Why January 2026 Feels a Bit Different
Usually, January in the Bay Area is our prime time for atmospheric rivers. We remember those—the "Pineapple Express" storms that turn the 101 into a giant puddle. But 2026 has started off surprisingly dry.
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Historically, San Francisco averages about 4.7 inches of rain in January. So far? We are well below that. While the Almanac predicted a "rainy then sunny" mid-January, we are firmly in the "sunny" part of that equation for now. The Climate Prediction Center is hinting that things might get wetter after January 23rd, but for the next few days, it’s all about those clear, chilly winter skies.
Real Talk: How to Dress for This
The Bay Area "onion" strategy is non-negotiable today.
- The Base: You want a light long-sleeve. The sun is out, but the air still has that January bite.
- The Shell: A windbreaker or light denim jacket is perfect for that 6 mph north wind.
- The Shoes: No need for rain boots. Stick to your comfortable sneakers; the pavement is staying dry.
Actionable Advice for Your Weekend
Since we have high-pressure stability, the air quality isn't amazing in the deep valleys. If you have asthma or just hate breathing in smog, today is the day to head to the coast or higher elevations. The air is much fresher at Ocean Beach or up on Mt. Tam than it is in the middle of San Jose or the Tri-Valley right now.
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Watch the UV: Even though it’s 61°F, the UV index is hitting a 2 today. It’s low, but if you’re out on a long hike, that winter sun can still catch you off guard.
Keep an eye on the sky tomorrow. Saturday is looking a bit cloudier with highs staying around 59°F. It’s the perfect weekend for a museum trip or a drive down to Half Moon Bay before the potential rain returns late next week.
Check your local air quality sensors before a morning run, and enjoy the rare January sunshine while it lasts.