If you’re walking around Santa Monica or hiking up to the Griffith Observatory right now, you’ve probably noticed something weird. It’s mid-January. We should be dodging rain puddles or at least wearing a decent jacket. Instead, the weather forecast 7 day Los Angeles is looking more like a late July heatwave than a winter reality.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild.
While the rest of the country is shivering through actual winter, we’re sitting under a massive ridge of high pressure. This isn't just a "nice day." It’s a full-on offshore flow pattern that’s pushing temperatures way above what’s normal for this time of year. We’re talking 10 to 15 degrees higher than average. If you’ve been feeling a bit "off" or just really thirsty lately, there’s a scientific reason for that: the Santa Ana winds are back, and they are drying everything out.
What’s actually happening with the weather forecast 7 day Los Angeles?
Basically, we’re stuck in a "warm and dry" loop. The National Weather Service out of Oxnard has been tracking an upper-level ridge that’s basically acting like a giant lid over Southern California. This lid keeps the cool ocean air out and lets the desert heat slide right in.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, is looking like the peak of this mini-summer. We’re hitting highs near 80°F in the downtown area, and if you’re further inland like the San Fernando Valley, it’s even toastier.
The Day-by-Day Breakdown
- Wednesday (Today): Sunny and arguably hot. Highs hitting 80°F. Wind advisories are in place until 2 PM because of those northeast gusts.
- Thursday: Nearly a carbon copy. Maybe a degree cooler at 79°F, but you won't feel the difference. Still clear skies.
- Friday: A tiny bit of cooling starts. We’re looking at 77°F. The nights stay cool though, dropping into the mid-50s, so don't pack away the sweaters just yet.
- The Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): We hold steady around 77°F. Sunday might bring some "marine layer" action back, which is just a fancy way of saying it might get a little cloudy near the coast.
- Next Monday & Tuesday: A gradual slide down to 75°F. Still gorgeous. Still not winter.
It’s worth noting that while we’re enjoying the sun, the air is incredibly dry. Humidity levels are dipping into the 20% range. That means your skin is going to feel it, and your plants definitely will.
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The Santa Ana Factor: Why it feels so "Electric"
You know that specific feeling in LA when the air gets all crisp and the visibility is so good you can see every ridge on the mountains? That’s the offshore flow. The wind is coming from the Great Basin, spilling over our mountains, and compressing as it drops down toward the coast.
Compression equals heat.
According to the latest Area Forecast Discussion from the NWS, these winds are creating some choppy seas too. If you're planning on taking a boat out to Catalina, be careful. We’re seeing gusts between 15-25 knots near Malibu and the Channel Islands. It’s not a "storm," but it’s definitely breezy enough to knock over a patio umbrella or make a bike ride a lot harder than it needs to be.
Is the rain ever coming back?
A lot of people are asking if this is the end of our rainy season. Short answer: No.
We’re currently in a La Niña pattern, which typically means a drier winter for Southern California, but it’s not a guarantee of a total drought. Meteorologists like Daniel Swain from Weather West have pointed out that these "ridges" often break down after a week or two.
Right now, the long-range models suggest we might see the first hint of a pattern shift around next Wednesday or Thursday. There’s a "low confidence" signal for rain late next week. Basically, the atmosphere is trying to decide if it wants to let a storm through or keep the "Sun God" vibes going. For now, the weather forecast 7 day Los Angeles is 100% dry.
Survival Tips for a Fake Summer
Since we’re living through 80-degree days in January, you have to pivot your routine a bit.
- Hydrate like it’s August: Seriously. The low humidity pulls moisture right out of you.
- Moisturize: Your skin will crack if you don't. The Santa Anas are brutal on the "dewy look."
- Fire Safety: Even though we had rain earlier in the month, these winds dry out the "flash fuels" (grass and light brush) really fast. Be smart with outdoor grills.
- Layers are King: A 25-degree swing between 2 PM and 2 AM is no joke. 80°F at lunch feels like 55°F at dinner once that sun goes down.
What this means for your week
If you’ve been putting off outdoor projects or that hike you’ve wanted to do, this is your window. The air is clear, the sun is out, and the "January Blues" are effectively cancelled in Los Angeles. Just keep an eye on that wind—it’s supposed to die down by Wednesday evening, but in the canyons, it can be unpredictable.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your irrigation timers today. With 80-degree heat and 20% humidity, your garden is going to think it’s mid-summer, and a quick soak this evening will prevent your hibiscus from dropping all its leaves. Also, if you're heading to the coast, remember the sun is still strong; even a UV index of 3 can catch you off guard if you're out for hours.