If you’re stepping outside in the Antelope Valley today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, you’ve probably noticed something a bit odd for mid-January. It’s actually nice. Like, surprisingly nice. While the rest of the country is bracing for "Arctic revenge" and freezing temperatures reaching as far south as Florida, Palmdale is sitting in a pocket of abundant sunshine and unseasonable warmth.
Honestly, the palmdale weather for today is a bit of a desert anomaly. We’re looking at a high of 67°F, which is nearly ten degrees warmer than the historical average of 58°F for this time of year. If you grew up here, you know January is usually a gamble of biting winds or the occasional atmospheric river, but today is basically a gift from the High Desert gods.
The morning started off chilly—hitting a low of 35°F—but the mercury is climbing fast. By midday, that 67°F peak will feel even warmer thanks to the high elevation and thin air.
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Why the Palmdale Weather for Today is Defying the Norms
Most people think of the High Desert as a place that's just "hot" or "cold," but the nuance is in the dry air. Today, the humidity is sitting comfortably around 47%. That’s the sweet spot. It’s not so dry that your skin starts cracking immediately, but it’s dry enough that the 67°F high feels like a perfect spring day.
Usually, January in the Antelope Valley involves a 15% chance of rain. Not today. We are looking at a 0% chance of precipitation. The sky is expected to stay clear through the night, which means we lose all that daytime heat the second the sun drops behind the Sierra Pelona Mountains.
The Wind Factor: A Rare Moment of Calm
We have to talk about the wind because, let’s be real, Palmdale is the wind capital of Southern California. Normally, you’d expect the typical 3 PM to 9 PM gusts that make driving a high-profile vehicle on the 14 Freeway a nightmare.
Today is different. We’re seeing light breezes from the northwest at only about 3 mph. Compare that to the historical January average of nearly 14 mph, and you realize how lucky we are. It’s a "top-down" kind of day for anyone brave enough to ignore the calendar and pretend it’s May.
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Air Quality Concerns You Shouldn't Ignore
It isn't all sunshine and roses, though. While the sky looks clear, the air quality index (AQI) is actually hovering in the "Poor" range, around 52.
This is the sneaky part of Palmdale winters. When the air is calm and we have these warm, sunny days, pollutants tend to settle in the valley instead of being blown out toward the Cajon Pass. If you struggle with asthma or have sensitive lungs, today might actually be a better day for indoor workouts, despite how tempting the trails at Devil’s Punchbowl look.
Breaking Down the Shift: High Desert vs. LA Basin
There’s a massive gap between what’s happening here and what’s going on down below the Santa Clarita woods. While Palmdale is hitting the high 60s, the "marine layer" that often plagues the Los Angeles Basin is nowhere to be found up here. We’re at an elevation of roughly 2,600 feet, which means we get more direct UV radiation. Today’s UV index is a 3, which is moderate. You won't burn in ten minutes, but if you’re out hiking for two hours, you'll feel it.
Tonight, the transition will be brutal. The desert doesn't hold onto heat. As soon as the sun sets, we’re heading straight back down to a low of 35°F.
That is a 32-degree swing in a single day.
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This "diurnal temperature variation" is why you see people in Palmdale wearing parkas in the morning and shorts by lunch. It’s not that we don't know how to dress; it’s that the environment is trying to gaslight us.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
If you like this, stick around. Friday is looking even warmer, potentially hitting 69°F. We are essentially in a "January Thaw." This happens when a high-pressure ridge builds over the Great Basin, blocking the colder storms and creating a temporary summer-lite experience.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Palmdale Today
- Layering is non-negotiable: You need a heavy shell for the 35°F morning and a light t-shirt for the 67°F afternoon. If you leave the house in just a hoodie, you’re going to be sweating by 2 PM.
- Hydrate more than you think: 47% humidity is "comfortable," but in the High Desert, moisture evaporates off your skin before you even realize you're sweating. Drink an extra 20 ounces of water today.
- Check your tires: Large temperature swings like today's 32-degree jump can mess with your tire pressure. If your "low air" light comes on during the morning commute, it’s probably just the cold air compressing.
- Sun Protection: Even with a UV index of 3, the sun at this altitude is intense. A bit of SPF 30 on your face if you're working outdoors will save you from that "windburn" that’s actually a sunburn.
The palmdale weather for today is a rare break from the usual winter grind. Take advantage of the calm winds and the clear skies, because in the High Desert, the weather can turn on a dime, and that 3 mph breeze could be a 40 mph gale by next week. Keep an eye on the air quality if you're sensitive, but otherwise, it's a stellar day to be in the 93550.