You’d think living in a valley named after a guy from the 1800s would be predictable. It’s Southern California, right? Sun, palm trees, maybe a light sweater in December. But if you’ve lived in MoVal for more than a single season, you know that Moreno Valley weather news isn’t always just "sunny and 75." Honestly, it’s kinda weird sometimes. We get these microclimates that make your neighbor in Riverside feel like they’re in a different state.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we are dealing with a classic Inland Empire split. One day it's 81°F and you're thinking about turning on the AC, and the next, a Santa Ana wind kicks up and drops the humidity to single digits. People outside the area think California winters don't exist, but tell that to someone waking up at 5:00 AM near March Air Reserve Base when it’s 39°F outside. It’s a dry, biting cold that catches you off guard if you’re only dressed for the afternoon high.
The Santa Ana Surprise and Current Trends
This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Yesterday, January 14, we hit a high of 81°F. That's significantly above the historical average of 65°F for this time of year. If you were out at Lake Perris, it felt like early spring. But the real Moreno Valley weather news this week is the wind. We’ve seen gusts hitting 35 to 40 mph coming through the passes.
These aren't just annoying for your trash cans. They change the air quality fast. When those winds blow off the desert, the humidity plummeting to 15% or 20% isn't uncommon. It’s that "lotion-is-mandatory" kind of weather.
- Highs: Hovering between 78°F and 81°F through the end of the week.
- Lows: Chilly. We’re talking mid-40s, sometimes dipping to 38°F in the more open, wind-sheltered parts of the valley.
- Precipitation: Basically zero for the next ten days.
Most people look at the forecast and see "Sunny" and assume it's "Warm." That's a mistake. In the valley, "Sunny" often means "Bring a heavy jacket for the morning and a T-shirt for lunch." The diurnal shift—the gap between the high and low—is massive here. It’s not unusual to see a 40-degree difference in a single 24-hour period.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
You’ve probably noticed the Ash and Alder pollen counts are creeping up. That’s because the wind is shaking everything loose. If your eyes are itchy and you’re sneezing, it’s not a cold; it’s the Inland Empire welcoming you to "pre-spring."
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The National Weather Service has been keeping a close eye on these offshore flows. While we aren't in a red flag warning right now, the dryness is real. We had a wet start to the year with nearly an inch of rain in the first week of January, which was great for the hills, but now that everything is drying out, the fire risk—even in winter—is something the local fire stations are watching.
Historical Context: Are We Breaking Records?
Usually, January is our wettest month, or at least it’s supposed to be. Historically, Moreno Valley averages about 1.7 to 2.3 inches of rain this month. So far in 2026, we’ve been hit-or-miss. We had those heavy showers around New Year’s Day—Ontario Airport recorded about 0.76 inches in one go—but it’s been bone-dry since.
Looking back at the data from the last few decades, 2026 is trending warmer. A "normal" January high is about 65°F. We are currently smashing that by 15 degrees.
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Is it climate change? Is it just a weird El Niño or La Niña cycle? Local meteorologists often point to the high-pressure ridges sitting over the Great Basin. When those ridges get stuck, they block the Pacific storms that should be bringing us rain, and instead, they funnel that warm, dry air right into our backyards.
What to Expect for the Rest of January 2026
If you’re planning a hike up to the "M" or heading out to the Moreno Valley Mall, keep an eye on the transition happening next week. The long-range models suggest a "pattern flip."
Basically, the "warm ridge" is going to break down around January 20th. We’re expecting a return to more seasonal temperatures. Highs will drop back into the 60s, and the cloud cover will finally return. There’s a slight chance of some "touch of evening rain" toward the last week of the month, but don't hold your breath for a washout.
- Monday, Jan 19: Expect the clouds to move in. Highs drop to 75°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Significantly cooler. We might struggle to hit 69°F.
- Late Week: Increasing humidity. The air won't feel so "crispy" anymore.
Survival Tips for Moreno Valley Winters
It sounds dramatic to use the word "survival" for 70-degree weather, but the IE is unique.
First, water your plants. These Santa Ana winds suck the moisture out of the soil faster than a summer heatwave because the air is so thirsty. If you have citrus trees, give them a deep soak tonight.
Second, check your tires. The huge temperature swings cause pressure fluctuations. You’ll get that annoying "low tire pressure" light on your dashboard at 6:00 AM when it's 40°F, only for it to turn off by 2:00 PM when it’s 80°F. Just check them manually and save yourself the headache.
Lastly, air quality. With the winds and the lack of rain, PM2.5 levels (the tiny dust and smoke particles) tend to rise. If you have asthma, the next few days of "high pollen and wind" are your signal to keep the windows shut, even if it feels nice outside.
The Moreno Valley weather news isn't just a report; it's a lifestyle adjustment. We live in a place where you can get a sunburn and a frost-nipped nose in the same week. Honestly, it’s part of the charm of the Inland Empire. You just have to be prepared for the valley to do its own thing, regardless of what the Los Angeles news stations are saying.
To stay ahead of the next shift, keep your eye on the local barometric pressure. When you see it start to drop, that’s your signal that the warm winds are ending and the actual winter chill is finally coming back to the valley. For now, enjoy the "winter heatwave" while it lasts—it usually doesn't stick around past February.