You ever step outside in the middle of January and feel like you’re accidentally in the middle of a July heatwave? That's basically the vibe in the San Fernando Valley right now. Honestly, if you were expecting a "winter" sweater-weather moment this week, the van nuys weather 10 day forecast is about to be a bit of a reality check. We are looking at a stretch of weather that feels more like a desert getaway than a typical coastal California winter.
It’s hot. Like, surprisingly hot.
While the rest of the country is probably digging out of snowdrifts, Van Nuys is hitting highs that would make a beach day in Malibu look like a compromise. We’re talking mid-80s. In January. It sounds fake, but if you live here, you know the Santa Ana winds don't care about your calendar.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun, Dust, and More Sun
Right now, as we sit here on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the mercury is hitting about 84°F. That’s not a typo. Usually, this time of year, we'd be lucky to see 67°F. But the high-pressure system sitting over the Great Basin is pushing all that dry, desert air right through the passes and into our laps.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, things stay pretty much the same. You’ll see a high of 80°F and a low of 54°F. It’s that classic valley temperature swing—baking in the afternoon, but you’ll still want a hoodie once the sun goes down and the wind picks up. Speaking of wind, watch out for those northeast gusts. We're expecting 20 to 30 mph tonight, with some spikes hitting 40 mph. It’s the kind of wind that makes the palm trees look like they’re having a breakdown.
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Looking Ahead: The 10-Day Breakdown
If you’re planning your week, here is the raw deal on what the van nuys weather 10 day forecast actually looks like through the end of the month.
Friday, Jan 16: Still sunny. High 79°F, Low 53°F. Basically a carbon copy of Thursday.
Saturday, Jan 17: We might see some morning clouds, but don't hold your breath for rain. High 79°F.
Sunday, Jan 18: High 79°F, Low 53°F. The "weekend of 79" continues.
Monday, Jan 19: A slight dip to 77°F. You’ll barely feel the difference.
Tuesday, Jan 20: 74°F. Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. Still "warm," but manageable.
Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly sunny, 71°F. This is probably the "best" day of the stretch for a hike at Lake Balboa.
Thursday, Jan 22: Finally, some clouds! 66°F. This is actually the "normal" temperature for January.
Friday, Jan 23: 65°F and sunny.
Basically, the first half of this forecast is a desert furnace, and the second half is a slow return to what January in the valley is supposed to feel like.
Why Van Nuys Feels So Different Right Now
A lot of people get confused. They see "Los Angeles" weather on the news and assume Van Nuys follows suit. Nope. Because we’re tucked behind the hills, the marine layer—that cool, misty air from the Pacific—often gets blocked. While Santa Monica is sitting in a nice, damp 65-degree fog, we’re back here in the valley getting toasted.
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The Santa Ana winds are the real culprit here. They’re "katabatic" winds. That’s a fancy way of saying the air heats up as it drops down from the mountains. For every 1,000 feet the air descends, it heats up by about 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time that air hits the Van Nuys Airport floor, it’s dry as a bone and hot as a hairdryer.
Fire Danger is No Joke
We have to talk about the dry brush. If you remember the January 2025 fires, you know how quickly things can go south when the humidity drops into the single digits. Currently, the humidity is hovering around 19% to 25%. That’s low. Not "explosive" low yet, but enough that the LAFD is definitely keeping an eye on the Sepulveda Basin.
National Weather Service experts like Mike Wofford have pointed out that these offshore flow patterns can last for days. When the air is this dry, static electricity is everywhere, and the dust is relentless. If you have allergies, this 10-day stretch is going to be your personal nightmare.
What This Means For Your Daily Life
If you’re visiting or just trying to survive the week, here’s the reality:
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- Hydration is non-negotiable. You’re losing moisture way faster than you think because the air is so dry.
- Sunscreen in winter. The UV index is hitting a 3 right now. It’s not "burn in ten minutes" territory, but if you’re out at the Japanese Garden for two hours, you’re going to feel it.
- Check your tires. Big temperature swings (84° in the day, 50° at night) can mess with your tire pressure. If that little light pops up on your dashboard, that’s why.
- Wind Safety. Secure your patio furniture. Those 40 mph gusts will turn a plastic chair into a projectile real quick.
The Long Game: Is Rain Coming?
Looking at the tail end of the van nuys weather 10 day forecast, there is a tiny glimmer of hope for the "rain fans" out there. Around January 21 or 22, we see a 50% chance of some light sprinkles or overcast skies. It’s not a "drought-buster," but it should be enough to knock the dust out of the air.
History tells us that January usually brings about 2.5 to 3 inches of rain to the 91406 area. So far, 2026 has been pretty stingy. We had some light rain back on New Year's Day and the 2nd, but since then, it's been a dry streak. Most meteorologists are looking toward the very end of January for the next real storm system to break through the high-pressure ridge.
Final Thoughts for the Valley
Don't let the "winter" label fool you. This week in Van Nuys is all about managing the heat and the wind. Keep your windows shut during the wind peaks to keep the dust out, and maybe save the heavy yard work for next Thursday when the temperatures finally drop back into the 60s.
Keep an eye on the local NWS Oxnard briefings if the winds pick up past 45 mph, as that’s usually when they start issuing Red Flag warnings. For now, enjoy the "bonus summer"—just don't forget to water your plants.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Hydrate your landscape: With humidity this low, your outdoor plants need extra water to prevent them from becoming brittle fire hazards.
- Adjust your HVAC: Clean your air filters now; the Santa Ana winds are kicking up a lot of particulate matter that will clog your system quickly.
- Plan outdoor activities for next week: If you’re looking for a comfortable walk or run, wait until the Jan 21-23 window when temps drop by nearly 15 degrees.