Right now, if you’re standing anywhere near the Santa Monica Pier or even stuck in traffic on the 405, you've probably noticed something. It’s hot. Like, "did I miss a season?" hot. We’re deep into January, a month that’s supposed to be our prime "sweater weather" (or as close as we get), but instead, the los angeles weather 10 day forecast looks more like a late-September encore.
Honestly, it's a bit of a head-scratcher.
According to the latest data from the National Weather Service in Oxnard, we are currently peaking. Wednesday hit the lower 80s in the valleys, and even the coastal spots are hovering in the high 70s. That is basically 10 to 15 degrees above the normal average for this time of year. If you're wondering why your AC is kicking on in the middle of winter, blame the high pressure and those persistent offshore winds—the infamous Santa Anas—that have been baking the basin.
The Breakdown: Los Angeles Weather 10 Day Forecast
Here is the thing about SoCal weather—it’s never just one vibe for long. While we are currently sweating through this "winter heat wave," a shift is coming. It’s not a sudden cliff, more like a slow, lazy slide back toward reality.
The Immediate Outlook (Days 1-3)
Expect the heat to linger. Thursday and Friday are staying remarkably warm, with highs sticking in the 79°F to 82°F range. The Santa Ana winds are supposed to be strongest through Thursday morning, especially in the passes and canyons. If you’re in a wind-prone area like Fontana or the Santa Clarita Valley, expect it to be gusty and incredibly dry. Humidity levels have dropped into the teens, which is typical for these events but always feels a little brutal on the skin.
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The Weekend Transition (Days 4-5)
Saturday and Sunday (January 17-18) will see the first real cracks in the heat dome. We’re looking at a gradual cooling trend. Highs will drop into the mid-to-high 70s. Still gorgeous, obviously, but you might actually need that light jacket by sunset. We’ll see more clouds drifting in—what meteorologists at UCLA call a return to more typical marine influence.
Next Week's Reality Check (Days 6-10)
By Tuesday, January 20, the mid-70s become the norm. But the real story starts around Wednesday and Thursday. Forecast models are showing a pattern shift in the jet stream. We’re moving away from that dry, offshore flow and back toward a Pacific track.
By the time we hit January 23rd and 24th, temperatures will likely dip into the high 60s. There’s even a slight, 5% to 10% chance of some light morning showers toward the end of next week. It’s not an "atmospheric river" event, but it’s definitely a return to the January we expect.
Is This Heat Normal for January?
Short answer: No, but it happens.
Long answer: We are in a weird spot.
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Technically, 2026 was supposed to be a transition year from a lingering La Niña to "ENSO-neutral" conditions. Usually, La Niña means drier winters for Southern California, and so far, that’s holding up for the middle of this month. But what’s fascinating is that while we are dry right now, the state is actually "drought-free" for the first time in 25 years. Thanks to those massive December storms, our reservoirs like Lake Oroville are in great shape.
So, while the los angeles weather 10 day forecast is currently bone-dry, we aren't in a panic yet.
The "Polar Vortex" is the wild card. Forecasters are watching it weaken right now. When that happens, it can shove cold Arctic air way further south than usual. While that usually hits the Midwest the hardest, it often triggers these high-pressure ridges over the West Coast that give us these bizarrely warm, clear days while the rest of the country freezes.
Microclimates: Why Your App Might Be Lying
Los Angeles is a nightmare for weather apps because of the geography.
If you live in Malibu, you might be 68°F today.
If you’re in Pasadena, you’re hitting 84°F.
The "basin effect" means that heat gets trapped against the mountains, while the coast gets that tiny bit of relief from the Pacific. If you are planning any outdoor activities this week, always check the "feels like" temperature—with the low humidity and high UV (even in winter), 80 degrees feels a lot closer to 90.
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What You Should Actually Do This Week
Stop waiting for "real" winter and lean into the weirdness. Here’s how to handle this 10-day stretch:
- Hydrate everything. Your plants, your pets, and your face. These Santa Ana winds act like a giant hair dryer. If you have sensitive outdoor plants, give them an extra soak tonight before the winds peak again.
- Fire Safety is real. Even though we had a wet December, these dry winds turn dead brush into tinder. Be careful with anything that could spark if you’re near the foothills.
- Layering is the only way. You’ll leave the house in a T-shirt at 2:00 PM when it’s 81°F, but by 6:00 PM, it’ll drop to 55°F. Don’t get caught shivering at dinner.
- Beach days are a go. Honestly, this is the best time to hit the coast. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is currently better than it was in June.
The big takeaway? This heat isn't here to stay. Enjoy the "fake summer" while it lasts because by the time the following weekend rolls around, the clouds are coming back, and we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming of 65-degree days and gray mornings.
If you're tracking the los angeles weather 10 day forecast for travel or events, keep an eye on January 21st. That's when the shift becomes official. Until then, keep the sunscreen handy and maybe hold off on buying that new heavy parka for just a few more days.
Actionable Insight: Check your irrigation timers. Many people have them set for "winter" mode (less water), but with this specific 10-day heat spike and 15% humidity, your lawn might actually need a supplemental watering session to survive the Santa Ana scorch before the cooler weather returns next Tuesday.