You’d think a January day in Southern California would be pretty predictable, right? Just another Tuesday—except it’s Sunday, and the vibes are actually kinda strange if you look at the numbers. Honestly, most people just wake up, see the sun, and assume it’s the same old story. But today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, has some interesting quirks that might actually change how you plan your afternoon.
The what's the weather today in Los Angeles question usually gets a "sunny and 70s" response, and yeah, that's technically true today, but the details matter.
Right now, we are sitting at a very comfortable 72°F. It’s mostly sunny, and honestly, the air feels incredibly dry. We are looking at a humidity level of 29%, which is low enough to make you reach for the lip balm every twenty minutes. There’s a light breeze coming in from the west at about 3 mph, just enough to keep the air from feeling completely stagnant, but not enough to fly a kite or even mess up your hair.
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If you’re heading out later, the high temperature is hitting 78°F.
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That is roughly 10 to 12 degrees above what we usually see this time of year. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Oxnard are pointing toward a ridge of high pressure and some offshore flow. Basically, it’s a mini-warm spell. You might even hear some locals grumbling about "Santa Ana conditions," although the winds aren't quite at advisory levels today. They’re mostly sticking to the ridgetops, leaving the rest of the city in a sort of warm, hazy bubble.
- Daytime: Sunny, high of 78°F, humidity dropping even further to around 25%.
- Nighttime: Clear skies, dropping down to a crisp 57°F.
- Rain Chance: Basically zero. There's a 10% mention in some models, but don't hold your breath for a car wash.
The UV index is sitting at a 2. Don't let that fool you into thinking you’re safe from the sun. Even a "2" can give you a burn if you're out at Griffith Park for three hours without a hat.
Why the air feels a bit "thick" today
Let’s talk about the Air Quality Index (AQI) because it’s actually the most "LA" part of today's forecast. While the sky looks blue, the AQI is hovering in the Moderate range for most of the basin. Specifically, Central LA is seeing numbers around 58, while South Central is pushing up toward 79.
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What does that mean for you?
If you have sensitive lungs or asthma, today isn't the best day for a marathon. The cleanest air is actually between 11 AM and 5 PM in most spots because the midday heat helps disperse some of those fine particulates (PM2.5) that like to settle near the ground during the cooler mornings.
A tale of two cities (Wait, not really)
There was some weird chatter online about snow today. If you saw a headline about "Snow in Florida" or "Frigid temperatures for the Rams game," ignore the Florida part—that’s a world away. As for the Rams, they are actually playing the Bears in Chicago today. While we are basking in 78-degree sunshine, those guys are dealing with a wind chill of -5°F and 22 mph winds.
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It’s a bizarre contrast. We’re wearing flip-flops; they’re worried about frostbite.
Planning your Sunday afternoon
Since the offshore flow is keeping things warm and dry, the "marine layer"—that thick morning fog LA is famous for—is basically non-existent right now. However, aviation forecasts suggest there's a small chance (about 10%) that some patchy dense fog could creep back into KLAX and the coastal areas after 10 PM tonight.
If you're driving along PCH late tonight, keep an eye out for sudden visibility drops.
What to do next:
- Hydrate: With 25% humidity, you're losing moisture faster than you realize.
- Layers: That 21-degree drop from the daytime high to the nighttime low is classic desert-adjacent weather. You’ll need a jacket the second the sun slips behind the Santa Monica mountains.
- Check the Coast: If you’re heading to the beach, the water is still chilly, but the offshore breeze means the waves might be a bit cleaner than usual, though no official Small Craft Advisories are in place.
Basically, enjoy the heat while it lasts. The long-term models show a significant cooling trend starting Wednesday, with temperatures likely sliding back into the 60s by the weekend.