It is basically summer in January. If you stepped outside this morning in the Jewel City, you probably noticed that weirdly warm, dry bite in the air. We are looking at weather Glendale CA today that feels less like a winter morning and more like a July afternoon, thanks to a robust high-pressure system sitting over the Great Basin.
Honestly, it is beautiful. But it is also kind of intense.
The mercury is expected to hit a high of 79°F today, Thursday, January 15, 2026. That is nearly twenty degrees above the typical average for this time of year. While the rest of the country is digging out of snowbanks, we are looking at clear skies and a UV index of 2. It’s not "burn in ten minutes" sun, but if you’re heading to Brand Park for a hike, you’ll definitely want a hat.
The Santa Ana Factor
Why is it so hot?
Specifically, we are dealing with a light Santa Ana wind event. These winds blow from the desert toward the coast, compressing and heating up as they drop in elevation through the Cajon and Soledad passes. For us in Glendale, nestled right against the Verdugo Mountains, this means the air loses almost all its moisture.
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Humidity today is bottoming out around 35% to 36%.
When the air is this dry, your sweat evaporates before you even feel it. You’ll feel thirsty faster than usual. It’s that classic "California dry heat" that makes a 79-degree day feel more like 85.
What the Hourly Breakdown Actually Looks Like
Morning people had it best today. At 7:00 AM, it was a crisp 56°F, perfect for a heavy sweater and a hot coffee from a spot like Highlight Coffee on Broadway. But that window closed fast. By 10:00 AM, we already jumped into the 70s.
- Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): This is the peak. Expect that 79°F high to hold steady. The wind will be coming from the Northwest at about 6 mph—just enough to rustle the palm trees but not enough to cause any real damage or power outages.
- The Commute (5:00 PM): Temperatures will start their descent, but slowly. It’ll stay in the high 60s well through sunset.
- Tonight: Once the sun dips behind the Santa Monicas, the desert air loses its heat quickly. We are looking at a low of 56°F overnight.
A Quick Reality Check on Air Quality
Here is the part nobody talks about with weather Glendale CA today. When we get these stagnant, warm days in the valley, the air quality can take a hit. Today’s AQI (Air Quality Index) is hovering around 67, which is technically "Moderate" but leaning toward "Poor" for sensitive groups.
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The dominant pollutant is PM2.5.
These are tiny particles that can irritate your throat if you're doing a heavy workout outdoors. If you have asthma or are sensitive to smog, maybe skip the outdoor run and hit the gym instead. The mountains look clear, but that "haze" on the horizon is a reminder that the valley traps everything when the winds aren't strong enough to blow it out.
Dressing for a 20-Degree Swing
You’ve probably seen the "LA Uniform" by now: a heavy puffer jacket over a t-shirt with shorts. It looks ridiculous until you actually live here.
Because the temperature drops so fast after 5:00 PM, you basically have to dress for two different planets. If you're heading to the Americana at Brand this evening, start with a light base. A cotton tee is fine for the afternoon. But keep a denim jacket or a light hoodie in the car.
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The "bite" in the air tonight is real. Dry air doesn't hold heat, so the second the sun is gone, you'll feel that 56-degree low in your bones.
The Weekend Outlook
If you like this, stay tuned. Friday and Saturday are looking like carbon copies of today. We might see a slight dip toward the mid-70s by Sunday as a weak marine layer tries to push back against the desert air, but don't expect rain anytime soon.
The long-range models suggest we might see some "real" winter weather toward the end of next week, but for now, it's strictly sunglasses and sunscreen weather.
Next Steps for Your Day:
- Hydrate: Drink more water than you think you need; 35% humidity is dehydrating.
- Skin Care: Use a heavier moisturizer today to combat the dry Santa Ana air.
- Exercise: Aim for a morning or late evening workout to avoid the peak heat and mediocre air quality of the afternoon.