Honestly, if you're looking at the weather forecast Pico Rivera today, you might think someone accidentally swapped the data with a desert town. It is mid-January, but the thermometer is acting like it's late May. We’ve all been there—expecting a crisp California winter morning and walking out into a wall of dry, warm air that makes your morning coffee feel like a mistake.
Current conditions as of early this Sunday morning show a temperature of 53°F. It’s a bit chilly for a 5:54 AM update, but don't let that fool you. The humidity is sitting at 48% with a light breeze coming from the northeast at 5 mph. It’s basically the calm before a very sunny storm.
Why Today’s Pico Rivera Forecast is a Total Curveball
Most people expect January in Southeast Los Angeles to be the "wet season." Historically, February is actually the wettest month for us, but January usually brings its fair share of gray. Not today.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are looking at a high temperature of 78°F. That is significantly warmer than the historical average of roughly 66°F for this time of year. If you’re planning on hitting the Rio Hondo Park or just grabbing some tacos over on Whittier Blvd, you've got perfect—if slightly unseasonal—conditions.
The day-time condition is listed as sunny, while the night will remain clear. There’s a tiny 10% chance of precipitation during the day, which basically means a stray cloud might look at you funny, but it’s probably not going to rain. By tonight, that chance drops to a flat 0%.
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The Microclimate Factor You Probably Didn't Notice
Pico Rivera sits in this weirdly specific spot. We’re inland enough to miss the immediate cooling of the marine layer that hits Long Beach or Santa Monica, but we aren't quite the furnace of the Inland Empire.
- The High: 78°F (Feels more like late spring).
- The Low: 52°F (Pack a light jacket for the evening).
- Humidity: 31% (It’s going to feel pretty dry out there).
- UV Index: 2 (Low, but the sun is still out, so maybe don't skip the sunscreen if you're pale like me).
This dry air is coming in with a northwest wind at 5 mph. It’s not a full-blown Santa Ana event, but it’s enough to keep the air feeling crisp and the sky looking that deep, clear blue that makes everyone else in the country jealous during winter.
Looking Closer at the Numbers
Let's talk about the humidity for a second. A 31% humidity level during the day is quite low for our area. Usually, we hover a bit higher. This means that while 78°F sounds warm, it won’t feel "muggy." It’s that dry heat that dries out your skin and makes you reach for the Chapstick every twenty minutes.
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Interestingly, the current dew point is hovering around 31°F. If you’re a weather nerd, you know that means the air is holding very little moisture. It’s a great day for laundry or washing the car, as everything will dry almost instantly.
What about the rest of the week?
While today is a standout, the broader weather forecast Pico Rivera suggests this warm trend isn't just a one-day fluke. We're seeing a pattern where the West is staying significantly warmer while the East Coast is getting hammered with actual winter.
Is it climate change? Partially. Recent data suggests Pico Rivera’s climate severity score is on the rise, with more "hot days" (defined as anything over 96°F) projected over the next few decades. Seeing a 78°F day in January isn't a record-breaker, but it fits into a trend of increasingly variable winters.
Practical Advice for Pico Rivera Residents Today
Basically, dress in layers. It sounds like a cliché, but when you have a 26-degree swing between the high of 78°F and the low of 52°F, you’re going to be miserable if you only wear a hoodie or only wear a t-shirt.
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- Hydrate: With 31% humidity, you’ll lose moisture faster than you realize.
- Allergies: Keep an eye out. Dry, breezy days in January often kick up Alder and Cedar pollen. If your eyes are itchy, that's why.
- Pets: It’s a great day for a walk, but maybe do it before the 2:00 PM peak if your dog is sensitive to the heat. 78°F on the grass is fine, but asphalt can get surprisingly warm.
The sun will set around 5:10 PM today. Once that sun dips behind the horizon, the temperature will fall fast. By the time you're thinking about dinner, it’ll be back in the low 60s and heading toward that 52°F low.
Make sure to take advantage of the clear skies tonight. With 0% chance of rain and a clear forecast, it’s a perfect night for some backyard stargazing or just enjoying a quiet evening before the work week starts. Just don't forget that jacket when you head out.
Actionable Insight: Check your irrigation timers. With humidity this low and temperatures hitting nearly 80°F, your lawn might need a quick drink, even though it's "winter." However, keep it brief—the moisture won't stick around long in this dry breeze.