If you woke up in Mission Viejo this morning thinking it was going to be a standard, chilly January day, you're in for a bit of a surprise. Honestly, the microclimates here in South Orange County are doing their own thing today. While other parts of the country are digging out of snow, we're looking at something that feels a lot more like a premature spring.
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 70°F, though it actually feels like 74°F if you’re standing out in the sun near Lake Mission Viejo. It's kinda perfect. But don't let the morning clouds fool you. Even though it's currently listed as cloudy, we're tracking a shift.
Breaking Down Mission Viejo Weather Today
The high for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is hitting 75°F. That is significantly warmer than the historical January average of 66°F that most long-range planners rely on. If you're heading out to Oso Creek Trail, you’ve probably noticed the air feels a bit dry. That’s because the humidity is hovering around 31%.
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Wind is barely a factor right now. We’ve got a light breeze coming from the west at just 2 mph. It’s the kind of day where the air just sits still, soaking up the heat.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
Usually, people associate "cloudy" with a chance of rain. Not today. There is only a 10% chance of rain during the daytime. Basically, you can leave the umbrella in the trunk.
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The transition is the big story. We’re moving from those morning clouds into a sunny afternoon. If you’re planning a late lunch at the Shops at Mission Viejo, the UV index is around 1 or 2, so it’s not exactly scorching, but the brightness will be a stark contrast to the early morning gray.
- Current Temp: 70°F
- Daytime High: 75°F
- Tonight’s Low: 53°F
- Wind: 5 mph from the Northwest (later today)
- Humidity: 36% (daily average)
Why the "Feels Like" Temp is Higher
You might wonder why 70°F feels like 74°F. It comes down to the solar radiation hitting our specific elevation and the lack of significant wind. Mission Viejo’s hilly geography often traps pockets of warmth, especially in residential areas sheltered from the coastal breeze.
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Tonight, things will crisp up. We’re looking at a clear night with a low of 53°F. The wind will pick up slightly to 5 mph from the northwest, bringing in that typical California evening chill.
Actionable Tips for Today
If you're out and about, here is how to handle the swing:
- Layer up early: The 22-degree drop from the daytime high to the overnight low is no joke.
- Hydrate: 31% humidity is low enough that you'll lose moisture faster than you think while hiking or running.
- Sunscreen: Even with a low UV index of 2, the clear afternoon skies mean more direct exposure than we’ve had earlier this week.
Keep an eye on the sky around 4:00 PM; that’s when the clouds should fully give way to the clear conditions we're expecting for the evening.