Honestly, if you’re looking at the coast today, you’ve probably noticed something a bit strange. While most of the Pacific Northwest is shivering through the mid-January blues, Brookings is out here doing its own thing. It's sunny. Like, actually sunny.
Basically, the weather in Brookings Oregon today is a prime example of why locals call this place the "Banana Belt." We aren't talking about tropical heat, obviously—it’s January—but compared to the foggy, damp gloom hitting the rest of the coastline, it’s a total outlier.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
Right now, the mercury is sitting at 50°F. That might sound standard, but for a Wednesday morning on January 14, 2026, it’s remarkably crisp and clear. We are looking at a high of 56°F later this afternoon.
There is basically a 0% chance of rain. No drizzle, no mist, just a clear sky.
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The wind is coming out of the north at a gentle 5 mph currently, though it might pick up to about 9 mph as the day goes on. It’s the kind of day where you can actually take a walk on Harris Beach without feeling like you’re being sandblasted by a gale.
Why It’s So Different Here
You’ve probably heard people mention the "Chetco Effect." If you haven't, it’s basically a localized weather phenomenon where air gets compressed as it moves down the Chetco River gorge. As that air drops in elevation, it heats up.
It’s weird.
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One town over can be twenty degrees colder and socked in with maritime fog, while Brookings is sitting in a pocket of dry, warm air. Today isn’t one of those record-breaking 80-degree winter days we occasionally get, but with the humidity at 70% and the sun out, it feels significantly warmer than the thermometer suggests.
Ocean Conditions and the Harbor
If you’re heading down to the Port of Brookings-Harbor, keep in mind there’s a Small Craft Advisory in effect. While the town is sunny and calm, the water is a different story.
- Current Temp: 50°F
- Forecast High: 56°F
- Conditions: Sunny all day
- Tonight: Clear with a low of 47°F
The swells are hitting around 8 to 10 feet out there, and those north winds are expected to gust up to 25 or 30 knots away from the shoreline. If you're planning on a boat trip, you might want to rethink that, but for a beach day? It's kind of perfect.
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What to Actually Do Today
Since the UV index is sitting at a 1, you won't exactly get a tan, but the visibility is fantastic. It’s a great afternoon to hit the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Usually, the viewpoints there are obscured by thick "pea soup" fog this time of year, but today you’ll actually be able to see the Arch Rock and Natural Bridges without squinting through a cloud.
The air is dry. The sky is blue.
Honestly, just get outside. The weather in Brookings Oregon today is a reminder that this little corner of the state is a geographic fluke in the best way possible. By the time tonight rolls around, it’ll stay clear and drop to 47°F, so you’ll want a jacket for dinner at the port, but the day itself is a winner.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your tire pressure if you're driving down US-101, as the cooler morning air can trigger those sensors even when the afternoon sun warms things up. If you're a photographer, head to the Chetco Point Park around 4:30 PM; with these clear skies, the sunset is going to be incredibly sharp without the usual coastal haze. Pack a light windbreaker for the afternoon breeze and enjoy the rare January sunshine.