Honestly, if you're looking at a weather map of the United States today, January 17, 2026, it looks a bit like a divided household. Half the country is shivering under a legitimate winter pattern, while the other half—specifically the West and deep South—is basically enjoying a sneak peek of spring. Or, in some cases, full-blown summer.
You've probably heard the rumors about the "polar vortex" making a comeback. It’s real. While the Northeast and Midwest are dealing with a chill that could freeze your coffee before you get to the car, the story of where is it warm in the us right now is actually found in the strange temperature divide happening across the lower latitudes and the West.
Right now, some states are running 8 degrees above their January averages. If you're tired of the gray, it's time to look toward the "Sun Belt," but even there, you have to be picky. A cold front is currently sliding through Texas and the Gulf, making things a bit complicated for anyone hoping for a tropical Saturday in Houston.
The Florida Reality Check
Everyone thinks Florida is a safe bet for 80-degree weather in January. Usually, they're right. Today? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Florida as a whole is seeing a high of 74°F this Saturday, which is lovely, but don't let the "mostly cloudy" current condition fool you. It’s a transition day.
The state is currently sitting at 56°F in some areas with a northeast wind blowing at 5 mph. If you’re in Central Florida, you’ve probably enjoyed that spring-like start to 2026 with temps hitting near 80 earlier this month, but there's a dip coming. By Monday, January 19, the high is only expected to reach 58°F. That is "Florida cold," meaning the locals will be in parkas while the tourists from Maine are still in shorts.
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If you want the real heat, you have to go further south.
- Miami and the Keys: These are your best bets. While the rest of the state fluctuates, the southern tip stays consistently in that 70-to-80 range.
- The Forecast: Looking ahead to next Saturday, January 24, Florida is expected to bounce back to a high of 79°F.
The Western Warmth: Why the Desert is Winning
While the East Coast fights off troughs and "blocking" patterns near Greenland, the West has been unseasonably warm. We’re talking about states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah running way above average. But for vacation-level warmth, you’ve gotta stick to the desert.
Arizona and Southern California are the current heavyweights for where is it warm in the us right now. Los Angeles is seeing temperatures rise into the 80s this week. That’s not just "warm for January"—that's summer weather. Phoenix is also holding strong with highs in the 70s, making it the prime time for desert hikes before the literal "death heat" of July kicks in.
Yuma, Arizona, is another spot people often overlook. It holds a Guinness World Record for being the sunniest city on Earth. It’s sitting pretty with highs around 71°F right now. It's dry, it's bright, and it's basically the opposite of whatever is happening in New England.
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The "Cold Front" Complication in the South
Don't just point your car toward Texas and hope for the best. Houston and San Antonio are currently in the middle of a "hard freeze" warning.
It’s a weird paradox. You can be in a "warm" state like Texas and still wake up to 20-degree weather. San Antonio is forecasting a dip into the 20s near sunrise on Sunday. Houston is bracing for a light freeze northwest of the city, with Galveston staying slightly warmer in the 40s.
If you're looking for warmth in the Deep South today, you're going to be disappointed. Alabama is even tracking a mix of rain and light snow in its southern counties. It’s a reminder that "South" doesn't always mean "Warm" in the middle of a weak La Niña year like 2026.
Hawaii and the Territories: The Ultimate Escape
If you’re willing to leave the mainland, the answer to where is it warm in the us right now becomes much simpler.
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- Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: Consistently hitting 81°F. It’s the gold standard.
- Honolulu, Oahu: Reliable 80°F days with those 66-degree nights that feel like a dream.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico: If you want a Caribbean vibe without a passport, San Juan is currently rocking 83°F.
These spots aren't affected by the jet stream dips or the "Polar Vortex" drama. They are governed by tropical trade winds and sea surface temperatures that stay warm year-round.
Making the Move: Actionable Insights
If you’re planning a last-minute flight to escape the cold, don't just look at the state name. Look at the specific latitude.
- Avoid the "Freeze Line": Check the 24-hour forecast for San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans. These cities are currently vulnerable to cold snaps that make them feel like Chicago for 48 hours at a time.
- Target the "80-Degree Islands": For guaranteed warmth, stick to the Florida Keys, the Big Island of Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.
- The Desert Window: Use the current warm spell in Southern California and Arizona. These 80-degree days in LA are "unseasonable," meaning they won't last forever. Grab them while the "West is Winning."
- Wait for the Florida Bounce: If you're heading to Orlando or Miami, aim for the window around January 24, when the forecast shows a return to 79°F after this weekend's dip.
The US weather map right now is a chaotic mess of freezing fronts and summer-like ridges. Stay flexible, keep an eye on those "hard freeze" warnings in the South, and remember—the sun is always shining somewhere, you just might have to fly over a snowstorm to find it.