If you just stepped off a plane at LAX, you’re probably wondering where winter went. Honestly, the weather forecast 14 days Los Angeles is currently doing that weird thing it does every few years where January feels more like June. While the rest of the country is digging out of snowdrifts, we're basically looking at a stretch of weather that's going to make you reach for the SPF 30 instead of a parka.
Right now, we are in the middle of a major offshore flow event. You’ve probably heard people in the grocery line complaining about the Santa Ana winds. They aren't just being dramatic. These winds are the reason Tuesday hit a balmy 77°F and why Wednesday and Thursday are projected to climb even higher into the low 80s. It's a bone-dry heat that sucks the moisture out of everything, including your skin.
The 14-Day Outlook: From Shorts to Umbrellas?
So, what does the actual two-week window look like? If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, the first half of this forecast is your best friend.
The Warm Front (Days 1-7)
Through at least Monday, January 19, the "ridge" is staying put. Expect daytime highs to hover between 77°F and 82°F. That is significantly above the historical average of 68°F for this time of year. Nights will still be crisp, though. We’re talking low 50s, which is that classic Southern California temperature swing where you need a hoodie at 7:00 AM and a tank top by noon.
The Shift (Days 8-14)
Enjoy the heat while it lasts because things get a bit messy toward the end of the month. Around Wednesday, January 21, the high-pressure system starts to break down. We’re seeing a cooling trend that will drop us back into the high 60s, and yes, there is a legitimate chance of rain.
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Specifically, Thursday, January 22, is looking like the first real "wet" day in a while. Current models show a 35% chance of light rain. While that’s not a monsoon, it’s enough to make the 405 freeway a complete nightmare. After that, we settle into a "cool and damp" pattern with highs in the low 60s through January 23.
Why January in LA Is So Confusing This Year
We have to talk about the "La Niña heresy." Normally, a La Niña year means Southern California stays dry as a bone. But as Alexander Gershunov from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography recently pointed out, atmospheric rivers don't always follow the rules.
Even though we’re technically in a La Niña phase, we’ve already seen massive amounts of rain earlier this month. At LAX, we've recorded nearly 10 inches of rain so far this season—that’s over 200% of the normal amount.
The current dry spell is just a breather.
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The Santa Ana Factor
The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings earlier this week because of gusts reaching up to 70 mph in the canyons. These winds are a double-edged sword. They give us these gorgeous, clear blue skies and warm temperatures, but they also keep the fire department on high alert.
Fortunately, because we had so much rain in early January, the hills are actually green for once. This "fuel moisture" means the fire risk is much lower than it was during the horrific January 2025 wind events. It’s a rare moment where we get the warmth without the same level of terror.
What to Pack for the Next Two Weeks
If you’re living here or visiting, your wardrobe needs to be schizophrenic.
- Lightweight Fabrics: For the next 5-6 days, you want linen or light cotton. It’s going to feel like summer in the sun.
- The "Evening Layer": Once the sun drops behind the Santa Monica mountains, the temperature plunges 20 degrees in an hour. Keep a denim jacket or light puffer in the car.
- Moisturizer: Seriously. The humidity is sitting at 33-40%. The Santa Ana winds will turn your face into parchment paper if you aren't careful.
- Rain Gear (Post-Jan 21): Don't pack away the boots yet. The end of the 14-day window is definitely looking more like "real" winter.
Looking Ahead to February
While the 14-day window ends with a slight cooling trend, the long-range signals from the Climate Prediction Center suggest that La Niña might finally start to fade by March. This means the wild "hit or miss" rain patterns will likely continue for another month or two.
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Expect February to be a mirror of January: intense week-long heatwaves followed by sudden, heavy rainstorms. It’s the "new normal" for a state that’s transitioning between climate phases.
Basically, if you have outdoor plans this weekend, you’re golden. The beaches will be crowded, the trails will be dry, and the sunset will be spectacular thanks to the dust kicked up by the winds. Just be ready for the vibe shift when those clouds roll in next Thursday.
Your Action Plan:
- Monitor the wind: If you’re in the valleys (Pasadena, Burbank), secure your patio furniture before Saturday.
- Plan outdoor events now: Target the window between January 14 and January 20 for the best "summer in winter" experience.
- Check the wipers: If you haven't replaced your windshield wipers since the last storm, do it before the January 22 rain chance.