Honestly, if you're living in Orem right now, you’ve probably noticed the air feels a bit different than usual for mid-January. We're currently sitting at a crisp 30°F tonight under clear skies, but the big story isn't the cold—it's the weirdly calm, sunny stretch we're about to hit.
Basically, the forecast for Orem Utah is looking more like a "fake spring" than the typical January deep freeze we’re used to. While everyone expects to be shoveling snow this time of year, the data shows we’re heading into a surprisingly dry, bright week.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Orem’s January Weather
Most of us assume January is just one long, grey blur of snow and inversions. While the inversion is definitely a real threat—KSL meteorologist Devan Masciulli recently pointed out how they form between storms—the next few days are actually going to be quite pleasant if you can handle the morning chill.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 45°F. That’s significantly warmer than the average January high of around 33°F. You’ve probably seen the haze sticking around the valley floor, but by Wednesday, we’re hitting 46°F with full sun.
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It's kind of a relief, but also a bit concerning if you’re a skier. The "Intermountain region" (that’s us) is currently seeing temperatures about 3 degrees above average across the board.
The Breakdown: What to Expect This Week
If you're planning your week, here is the raw data you actually need to know:
- Tonight: Clear skies, 30°F, with a tiny 2 mph breeze from the north.
- Tuesday (Tomorrow): Partly sunny. High of 45°F, low of 27°F. There’s a slim 10% chance of a stray snow flurry, but don't count on it.
- Wednesday: Pure sunshine. High of 46°F, low of 29°F. This is the peak of the warm-up.
- Late Week: Things start to dip back down. Thursday hits 40°F, and by Friday, we’re looking at a high of 37°F. Still sunny, though.
Basically, keep the heavy coat for the morning commute, but you might actually find yourself unzipping it by lunchtime.
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The La Niña Wildcard and Your Snow Shovel
Why is it so dry right now? Well, 2026 is leaning into a weak La Niña pattern. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac and recent NOAA outlooks, this usually means the jet stream stays a bit further north. For Orem, that often translates to "mild yet moist," but the moisture is coming in weird "pockets of wild" rather than steady snow.
We saw a bit of this on New Year's Day when the system from the Baja California Coast brought rain instead of the usual powder. Honestly, it's been a strange season for the Utah snowpack.
Historically, January in Orem gets about 9.1 inches of snow. We aren't seeing anything close to that in the immediate forecast for Orem Utah. In fact, the chance of precipitation stays at a flat 0% for almost the entire weekend.
Managing the Inversion and Air Quality
The downside of all this "sunny and calm" weather is the valley's infamous inversion. When the wind stays low—like the 3 mph breeze we're expecting tomorrow—the cold air gets trapped under a warm "lid."
- Check the air quality index before you head out for a run at Nielsen’s Grove Park.
- If the haze looks thick (which the National Weather Service is already predicting for Tuesday), maybe keep the intense cardio indoors.
- Humidity is hovering around 74% tonight, which makes the 30 degrees feel a bit "damp" and bitey compared to a dry cold.
Practical Steps for Orem Residents Right Now
Since we have a break from the active storms, it’s actually the perfect time to do some quick home maintenance. Experts like Krystal Rogers-Nelson often suggest using these dry winter gaps to check your weatherstripping.
- Sealing Gaps: Our dry, high-desert air shrinks wood and caulk. A quick $10 tube of sealant around your windows can save you up to 30% on those heating bills that usually spike in February.
- Car Prep: Don't let the 45-degree afternoons fool you. The overnight lows are still hitting 25°F to 27°F. Ensure your wiper fluid is rated for sub-zero temps so you aren't stuck with a frozen windshield at 7 AM.
- Yard Care: It sounds crazy, but if your lawn is totally dry and clear of snow, a quick mid-winter watering for your younger trees can prevent "winter desiccation." Just make sure to do it when the ground isn't frozen solid.
The forecast for Orem Utah suggests a quiet week, but don't get too comfortable. Long-range models from The Weather Network indicate a potential shift back to active snow by January 26th. For now, enjoy the sun, watch the haze, and maybe leave the heavy-duty snowblower in the garage for at least another six or seven days.