You’d think January in Southern California would mean bundling up in those heavy sweaters we only get to wear twice a year. Honestly, though? Not today. If you’re waking up in La Mesa, you’re probably noticing that the air feels a bit different. It’s crisp, sure, but there’s a dry, warm undertone that screams "Santa Ana" even if the winds aren't howling quite like they did a few days ago.
While the rest of the country is digging out of snowbanks, the weather in La Mesa today is pulling a total 180. We are looking at a high of 79°F. Yes, you read that right. Nearly 80 degrees in the middle of January. It’s the kind of day where the "Jewel of the Hills" really lives up to its name, though you might want to rethink that heavy flannel if you're heading out to the Village later.
What’s Actually Happening with the Weather in La Mesa Today?
Basically, we're in the middle of a classic ridge-induced warming trend. The National Weather Service out of San Diego has been tracking this ridge as it expands and tilts, effectively blocking any of those cool, moist Pacific storms from reaching us. Instead, we get this: a bright, sunny day with a humidity level that's going to drop down to about 39% by the afternoon.
It's weirdly dry for the coast-adjacent crowd.
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Normally, January in La Mesa sits around a comfortable 66°F. Jumping up to 79°F is a significant spike. If you're sensitive to the dry air, you've probably already felt it in your skin or eyes this morning. The wind is currently a light breeze from the northwest at about 5 mph, which is a massive relief compared to the gusty 35 mph Santa Anas that were rattling windows earlier in the week.
The Forecast Breakdown for Friday, January 16
| Timeframe | Condition | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | Sunny & Warm | High of 79°F |
| Evening | Mostly Cloudy | Low of 46°F |
| Late Night | Patchy Fog Possible | Chilly |
That temperature swing is the real story here. A 33-degree drop between the afternoon peak and the overnight low is no joke. If you're planning on staying out late, maybe for a late dinner at one of the spots on La Mesa Boulevard, you'll need a jacket. By the time the sun goes down, that "mostly cloudy" shift starts moving in, and the humidity will climb back up from its daytime low.
The Farmers Market Factor
It’s Friday, which means the La Mesa Village Farmers Market is the place to be between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
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Since the weather in La Mesa today is staying so warm, it’s actually a perfect setup for the market. You won’t be shivering while picking out your organic kale or sourdough bread. However, because that "ridge axis" mentioned by meteorologists is shifting, we might see some of the marine layer—that classic San Diego "grey"—trying to sneak back in toward the very end of the market hours.
There is a tiny 10% chance of precipitation tonight. It’s probably not going to rain-rain, but don't be shocked if you feel a little mist or see some "wet" fog if you’re driving home after 9:00 PM.
Why Does It Feel So Much Warmer Than San Diego?
If you talk to anyone living down in Pacific Beach or La Jolla today, they’re probably experiencing a different world. That’s the La Mesa tax. Because we’re tucked behind the initial coastal hills, we lose that immediate ocean cooling.
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The UV index today is hitting a 3. That’s moderate. It sounds low, but with the sun being so direct and the air being so dry, you can still get a bit of a "winter burn" if you’re out hiking Cowles Mountain or strolling through Lake Murray.
Practical Next Steps for Your Friday
Since the weather is leaning into this "mini-summer" vibe, here is how to handle the day:
- Hydrate more than usual: That 39% humidity is going to suck the moisture right out of you, especially if you're drinking coffee at Public Square or Sheldon’s.
- Layer up for the evening: The transition from 79°F to 46°F happens fast once the sun slips behind the hills. A light hoodie won't cut it after 8:00 PM; bring something with a bit of weight.
- Check your plants: If you have sensitive potted plants on your patio, they might need a quick drink. This dry heat is an outlier for January and can stress out greenery that’s used to the usual damp winter chill.
- Evening Fog Watch: If you're heading toward the 8 or the 125 late tonight, keep an eye out for patchy fog. The "broken coverage" of the marine layer is expected to push about 5 to 10 miles inland.
Enjoy the heat while it lasts, because the long-range ensembles are already hinting at a pattern breakdown by the end of next week. We might actually see some real rain by next Thursday. For now, just soak up the sun.