Honestly, if you stepped outside in Bell today, you probably didn't reach for a heavy coat. It is Friday, January 16, 2026, and the weather for Bell CA is currently doing something that feels more like early May than mid-winter. We are sitting at a high of 80°F today. That’s not a typo. While the rest of the country is obsessing over the polar vortex and potential Arctic surges, we're basically living in a localized summer bubble.
It's weird.
Usually, January in this part of Los Angeles County is about dodging puddles and keeping a sweater handy for those 49°F nights. But right now? We are seeing a string of days where the mercury is hitting the high 70s and low 80s. Yesterday was even hotter, peaking around 83°F or 84°F depending on which street corner you were standing on.
The Current Forecast: What to Expect This Week
If you're planning your weekend around the 710 or heading over to Bell Technology Center, you’ve got a pretty clear window.
Tonight will be clear and cool, dropping down to about 50°F. It’s that classic desert-adjacent swing where you’re sweating at noon and shivering by 9 PM. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, we’re looking at more of the same—mostly sunny with a high of 79°F.
Sunday follows suit. High of 79°F. Low of 52°F.
By the time Monday rolls around, we start to see a tiny bit of a dip. We're talking 78°F. Still way above the historical average of 68°F for this time of year. If you're looking for the "real" winter, you'll have to wait until at least Wednesday or Thursday. That's when the clouds finally decide to show up, potentially dragging us back down into the 60s.
Why Is It So Hot Right Now?
You’ve probably heard people talking about "Santa Ana winds," but this current stretch is more about a massive high-pressure ridge sitting right over the Southwest. It’s basically acting like a giant lid on a pot, trapping warm air and keeping the storm tracks pushed way up into Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
While Sacramento is dealing with atmospheric rivers and flood watches this month, Bell is just... dry.
Historically, February is our wettest month. We usually average about 3.57 inches of rain then. But January 2026 is trending incredibly dry so far. This creates a weird paradox for locals. It’s beautiful for a car wash or a park day, but it’s terrible for the state's long-term water storage. Plus, the humidity is bottoming out. We’re seeing levels as low as 12% or 13% during the day. That is "chapstick and extra water" territory.
Breaking Down the Numbers
To give you some perspective on how unusual this is:
- Typical January High: 68°F
- Actual High Today: 80°F
- Typical January Low: 49°F
- Current Humidity: ~15% (Extremely dry)
- UV Index: 3 (Moderate – you can still get burned if you're out too long)
The Hidden Dangers of This "Great" Weather
It’s easy to get complacent when the sun is out, but this specific weather for Bell CA pattern brings some baggage.
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First, there’s the allergy situation. Because it’s so warm and dry, tree pollen is starting to kick up way earlier than usual. If your eyes are itchy and you’re sneezing, it’s not a "winter cold." It’s the flora thinking it’s springtime.
Second, the fire risk is creeping up. Normally, January soil is damp. Right now, it’s drying out fast. While we aren’t in a Red Flag Warning at this exact second, the combination of low humidity and dormant, dry vegetation is something the LA County Fire Department keeps a very close eye on in the Gateway Cities.
Then there's the structural stuff. When we get these wild swings from a wet December (which we had) to a bone-dry, hot January, the soil underneath our homes can shift. Most of Bell is built on older foundations. This "expanding and contracting" of the earth is exactly what leads to those mystery cracks in your drywall or doors that suddenly won't close right.
How to Handle the Next Few Days
Don't let the "winter" calendar fool you. You need to treat this week like a mini-summer.
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Hydration is the big one. Since the air is so dry, you’re losing moisture through your skin without even realizing it. You aren't necessarily sweating, but you're dehydrating.
Watch your pets. Asphalt in the mid-afternoon sun can still get surprisingly hot, even if it's only 80°F air temp. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Layer up. This is the most "LA" advice ever, but it’s true. A 30-degree temperature swing between 2 PM and 10 PM is brutal on the immune system and your comfort levels.
Looking Ahead to February
The long-range models are hinting that this "ridging" pattern might break by the end of the month. We might see the Polar Vortex slip far enough south to allow some moisture back into the region. Until then, keep the AC serviced and the sunscreen handy.
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Actionable Insights for Bell Residents:
- Irrigation Check: If you turned off your sprinklers during the December rains, turn them back on. The current heat and low humidity will fry your lawn and landscaping quickly.
- Allergen Prep: Start your antihistamines now if you’re a sufferer; the "Spring" bloom is happening as we speak.
- Energy Efficiency: Close your south-facing blinds during the day to keep the house cool without cranking the AC, as the sun is lower in the sky and hits windows more directly in January.
- Hydration: Aim for an extra 20 ounces of water today to combat the 15% humidity levels.
This heat wave is a reminder that in Bell, the "seasons" are more like suggestions than rules. Stay cool out there.