It is basically summer in the middle of January. If you stepped outside near Ventura Boulevard this morning, you probably felt that immediate, dry warmth that doesn't usually belong in the first month of the year. Weather in Sherman Oaks today is currently hitting a high of 81°F, which is honestly a massive jump from the mid-60s we typically expect this time of year.
Most people in the Valley are used to the "microclimate" game, but today is a bit of an outlier. While the rest of the country is shivering through actual winter, we're looking at clear skies, a humidity level bottoming out at around 29%, and a sun that feels way more intense than its UV index of 2 would suggest. It’s the kind of day where you leave the house in a hoodie at 7:00 AM and regret every life choice by noon.
What is Driving the Heat in Sherman Oaks Today?
The local atmosphere is essentially being squeezed. We’ve got a high-pressure system sitting over the Great Basin, and as that air moves toward the coast, it sinks and compresses. Physics 101: compressed air gets hot.
You’ve probably heard neighbors calling these Santa Ana winds, and while we aren't seeing the 40-mph gusts that usually trigger Red Flag warnings, that light 7-mph breeze from the north is doing exactly the same thing. It’s drying everything out. If your skin feels like parchment paper or your allergies are acting up out of nowhere, that’s why. The dew point is hovering near 42°F, which is exceptionally dry for the 91403 and 91423 zip codes.
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The Afternoon Breakdown
By 2:00 PM, the valley floor is going to be a total heat trap.
- Peak Temp: 81°F around mid-afternoon.
- Sky Conditions: Zero cloud cover. Literally none.
- Wind: North/Northwest at 7 mph.
- Precipitation: 0%. It’s bone dry.
It’s weird to think that just a few weeks ago, the "Almanac" and local forecasters like those at the Van Nuys Airport station were tracking rain. In fact, historical data for January 14 shows our average high is usually closer to 66°F. We are currently smashing that by 15 degrees.
Is This the "New Normal" for Valley Winters?
Kinda. If you look at the long-range trends for the Pacific Southwest in 2026, we’re seeing a pattern of "warm south, cool north." Sherman Oaks sits right in that sweet spot where we get the warmth without the relief of the marine layer that usually keeps Santa Monica or even parts of Encino a bit cooler.
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I was checking the latest reports from the National Weather Service, and they’ve noted that the ridge of high pressure isn't moving anytime soon. This isn't just a one-afternoon fluke. Tomorrow, Thursday, is looking almost identical with a high of 79°F. We’re essentially in a "heat dome-lite" situation.
Why Your Garden is Confused
If you’ve got roses or citrus trees in your backyard, they probably think it’s spring. Expert arborists often warn that these mid-winter spikes can trigger premature budding. The problem? When the temperature inevitably drops back to the 50s at night—and it will, tonight’s low is 57°F—those new buds can get shocked.
Actually, that 24-degree swing from day to night is one of the most brutal parts of living in the Valley. It’s 81°F while you’re at lunch and 57°F by the time you’re finishing dinner at Petit Trois. That’s a lot of stress on the body and the local flora.
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Practical Tips for Handling the Sherman Oaks Heat Spike
Honestly, don't let the "January" label fool you into skipping the basics.
- Hydrate more than usual. That 29% humidity is a silent killer for energy levels. You’re losing moisture through your breath and skin way faster than you realize.
- Pet safety. If you’re walking your dog on the pavement near the Sherman Oaks Galleria, touch the ground first. Even in 81-degree weather, dark asphalt can hit 120°F in direct sun.
- Check your AC filters. It’s been a minute since most of us blasted the air in January, but today is the day you’ll likely hear that compressor kick on.
- Sunset timing. The sun is going down around 5:04 PM. Once it dips behind the Santa Monica mountains, the temperature is going to plummet. Keep a light jacket in the car even if you’re sweating right now.
Looking Ahead: When Will it Cool Down?
If you’re over the heat and want actual winter back, you’ll have to wait until at least next Wednesday. The forecast models show a gradual slide back toward the low 70s by the weekend, but we won't see "chilly" weather (under 65°F) until at least January 22nd.
There’s also a slight chance of a low-pressure system moving in toward the end of the month, which might bring back the rain we saw in early January. But for right now, the weather in Sherman Oaks today is all about that dry, desert-adjacent heat.
To make the most of this afternoon, stick to the shade if you're outdoors and maybe push your strenuous errands to after 4:00 PM. The air quality is currently "Fair," so it's not a bad day for a hike at Fossil Ridge, provided you bring twice the water you think you need. Keep an eye on the wind speeds; if that 7-mph breeze turns into a 20-mph gust, the fire risk in the hills climbs significantly given how dry the brush is right now.
Be sure to check your irrigation timers this evening. With this much heat and zero rain in the immediate forecast, your lawn is going to need a quick soak to survive the "fake summer" of 2026.