If you stepped outside in Los Angeles today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, you probably felt that weird, familiar static in the air. The Santa Ana winds are back with a vengeance. It’s one of those classic "only in LA" days where the calendar says mid-January but the thermometer is screaming summer.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
Between the bizarre 79-degree heat and the legal drama still swirling around the "zombie" fires of last year, the city feels like it’s caught between a strange future and a stubborn past. Here is the breakdown of what actually happened in Los Angeles today, from the sports heartbreaks to the literal heat on the streets.
The Weather: Santa Anas and "Summer" in January
The biggest story for most of us just trying to commute or walk the dog is the heat. We hit a high of 79°F today. That’s about 10 to 15 degrees above what we usually expect this time of year.
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory that’s sticking around until Wednesday afternoon. We’re talking about those dry, northeast gusts that make your skin feel like paper and your hair stand on end. While the risk of a massive wildfire is technically lower because the plants are still somewhat damp from earlier rains, the debris on the roads is no joke.
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If you were driving the 91 Freeway or the 5 Freeway up near Castaic today, you saw the mess. High winds have been toppling big rigs and blowing cargo across the lanes. It’s basically a high-stakes obstacle course out there.
One Year Later: The Shadow of the Eaton and Palisades Fires
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the Eaton and Palisades fires tore through our backyard. Today, January 13, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) held a virtual FEMA Appeals Workshop at 3:00 PM.
Why does this matter now?
Because for many families in Altadena and the Westside, the disaster never actually ended. There’s a lot of frustration bubbling over regarding permit delays. Imagine standing on your property in Altadena—which used to be covered in thick pines and oaks—and now you can see all the way to downtown LA because the trees are just... gone.
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The "zombie fire" trial is also weighing heavy on the local psyche. Prosecutors are still building the case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old accused of starting the initial blaze that resurrected days later into the most destructive fire in LA history. The legal debate today is basically a tug-of-war: Was it his fault for the initial spark, or was it the LAFD’s fault for leaving the scene before the embers were truly dead?
Sports: Lakers Grit and Chargers "What-Ifs"
The sports scene in LA today is a mix of relief and "wait until next year."
The Lakers Survival Strategy
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a tight game against the Sacramento Kings. At 41 years old, LeBron James is still out there defying biology. He’s been dealing with some sciatica issues recently, but he looked steady today. With Austin Reaves sidelined, the weight fell on LeBron and Luka Doncic to manage the tempo.
The Lakers are sitting at 23-13, holding onto fifth place. They aren't the fastest team on the floor anymore, but they’re playing a "clean" game—fewer turnovers, more deliberate possessions.
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The Chargers' Somber Tuesday
Over in the NFL world, the Los Angeles Chargers are officially in "re-evaluation mode." Following their 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round this past Sunday, the vibe at the facility today was pretty grim. Coach Jim Harbaugh is still preaching that "those who stay will be champions" mantra, but star QB Justin Herbert sounded a lot more skeptical in his post-game remarks.
What’s On Tonight? (The "Tuesday Night" Scene)
If you're looking to get out of the wind and into some AC, the city has a weirdly specific lineup of events for a Tuesday:
- Crypto.com Arena: The LA Kings are hosting the Dallas Stars at 7:00 PM.
- Intuit Dome: The Clippers are taking on the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 PM.
- The Aero Theatre: For the film nerds, there’s a screening of Top Gun: Maverick with a Q&A featuring director Joseph Kosinski.
- Hollywood Improv: Jerrod Carmichael is doing a set at 7:30 PM.
Protests and Public Safety
We also have to talk about what happened in Westwood. Over the weekend, a U-Haul truck plowed into a group of protesters supporting Iranian demonstrations. Today, the driver—who had been detained—was released from custody.
The LAPD clarified today that, despite initial reports, no one was actually struck by the truck, though two people were treated for minor injuries at the scene. It’s a tense situation that’s still sparking a lot of debate on social media about protest safety and DHS involvement in local demonstrations.
Actionable Insights for Angelenos Today
If you’re living through this Tuesday in Los Angeles, here’s how to handle the next 24 hours:
- Hydrate and Moisturize: These Santa Anas are brutal on your skin and sinuses. Use a saline spray if you’re feeling congested from the dust.
- Check Your Tires: High winds and 80-degree pavement can mess with your tire pressure. If your light came on today, it’s probably the temp swing.
- Secure Your Trash Cans: The gusts are expected to peak again overnight. Don't be the neighbor whose recycling is scattered across the block tomorrow morning.
- Traffic Prep: Expect delays on the 91 and 105 due to ongoing overnight closures and wind-related debris. Check your navigation app at least 20 minutes before you leave.
The city is currently drought-free for the first time in 25 years, which is a massive win, but these dry wind spells are a reminder that the environment here is always a bit of a wildcard. Stay cool, watch the roads, and maybe catch that Kings game if you can snag a last-minute ticket.