Honestly, if you stepped outside in the Valley yesterday, you probably didn't need that heavy parka you bought for the three days of "winter" we actually get here. People think January in the desert is all about freezing mornings and gloomy skies, but Phoenix just proved everyone wrong again.
It was gorgeous.
The temp in phoenix yesterday, Thursday, January 15, 2026, hit a high of 77°F.
That's not just "nice" weather. That is "leave work early and hit the patio" weather. While the rest of the country is likely scraping ice off windshields or dealing with slushy sidewalks, we were sitting under a perfectly sunny sky with basically zero drama from the atmosphere.
Why 77 Degrees Matters Right Now
You might think 77 degrees is standard for us. It's not.
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Typically, Phoenix sees average highs in the mid-60s during mid-January. Hitting 77°F puts us well above the normal curve. It’s that weird, beautiful sweet spot where you don't even need a sweater by 10:00 AM.
The low yesterday morning was 49°F.
That's nearly a 30-degree swing. Desert life is funny that way; you start the day shivering in a hoodie and end it wondering if it's too early to turn on the AC. The air was dry—around 24% humidity—which is exactly why that 77°F felt so crisp and comfortable instead of sticky.
Breaking Down the Atmosphere
The wind wasn't much of a factor either. We had a light breeze coming in from the east at about 6 mph. Just enough to keep the air moving but not enough to ruin a hair day or knock over your trash cans.
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- Condition: Sunny
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but don't let the "winter" sun fool you)
- Precipitation: 10% chance (Spoiler: It didn't happen)
Most people assume that because it's January, the sun isn't "strong." But a UV index of 2 still requires a bit of respect if you’re out hiking Camelback or Piestewa Peak for three hours.
The "Dry Heat" Myth in Winter
We hear it every summer: "It's a dry heat." Well, yesterday was a dry warmth.
With humidity levels bottoming out, the transition from that 49°F morning to the afternoon peak happened fast. If you were out at Sky Harbor or hanging out in Scottsdale, you noticed the sky was that deep, piercing blue you only get when there's no moisture to haze things up.
Kinda makes you appreciate living in the Southwest, right?
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Comparing this to historical records, we weren't quite at record-breaking territory (some years have seen us creep into the low 80s in Jan), but we were definitely the envy of anyone living north of the Mogollon Rim.
What This Means for Your Weekend
If you were planning on a backyard BBQ or finally getting those succulents planted, yesterday was the perfect indicator of the current trend. We are staying warm. We are staying dry.
Basically, the desert is in its prime.
Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
Since we know the temp in phoenix yesterday peaked at 77°F, you should expect more of the same today. The forecast is holding steady.
- Hydrate more than you think. Dry air at 77°F sucks moisture out of you faster than a humid 85°F day.
- Dress in layers. That 49°F low is still the reality for the early morning commute. Don't get caught in just a t-shirt at 7:00 AM.
- Check your irrigation. With these warmer-than-average temps and low humidity, your plants might be thirstier than the standard January schedule accounts for.