Yuma AZ Weather Forecast: Why It’s Not Just "Dry Heat" This Week

Yuma AZ Weather Forecast: Why It’s Not Just "Dry Heat" This Week

Honestly, if you’ve lived in Yuma for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up, check the window, and yup—it’s sun. Again. We’re currently sitting in the middle of January 2026, and the yuma az weather forecast is doing exactly what it’s famous for: being ridiculously consistent.

Right now, as of early Sunday morning, January 18, it’s about 57°F outside. It’s clear, maybe a few stray clouds drifting over the Gila Valley, but basically perfect for a late-night walk if you’ve got a light jacket. We just came off a Saturday that hit 79°F, which is a bit of a "Yuma winter" flex compared to the rest of the country freezing their tailgates off.

What the Yuma AZ Weather Forecast Looks Like Right Now

Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 75°F. It’s going to be mostly sunny, though we might see some clouds rolling in by the evening. The humidity is hovering around 17%, which is basically desert-speak for "your skin is going to be thirsty."

There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain today. In Yuma, a 10% chance usually means you might see a single drop on your windshield while driving down 4th Avenue, or you might just see a cloud that looks like it's thinking about raining but changes its mind.

The wind is coming from the north at about 7 mph. It’s a lazy breeze. Not enough to kick up the dust on the way to the Mittry Lake, but enough to feel it. Tonight, the low will drop back down to 57°F under mostly cloudy skies.

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Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Week

The yuma az weather forecast for Monday, January 19, is looking like a carbon copy of today. We’re talking another high of 75°F and a low of 58°F. If you’re planning on being outdoors for MLK Day, it’s basically the "Goldilocks" of weather—not too hot, not too cold.

By Tuesday, things dip just a tiny bit. We’re looking at 74°F. Then Wednesday and Thursday hit 73°F. It’s a slow, steady slide into the low 70s as we head toward next weekend. By Friday, January 23, we’ll likely see a high of 72°F.

  • Sunday (Today): 75°F / 57°F
  • Monday: 75°F / 58°F
  • Tuesday: 74°F / 56°F
  • Wednesday: 73°F / 55°F

It's weirdly predictable. But that’s why people love it here in the winter.

The "Sunniest Place on Earth" Burden

It’s not just a marketing slogan. Guinness World Records actually backs this up. Yuma gets sunlight about 91% of the time. That’s roughly 4,055 hours of sun a year.

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But here’s the thing most people get wrong about the yuma az weather forecast: they think because it’s "dry heat," it doesn't matter. Try telling that to a head of iceberg lettuce in July. Yuma provides about 90% of the leafy greens for the entire U.S. during these winter months. This specific temperature range we’re seeing right now—high 70s during the day and mid-50s at night—is the "magic zone" for agriculture.

If it gets too cold, the lettuce "blisters" or gets "ice rib." If it’s too hot, it bolts. So, when you see 75°F on your phone, you should probably thank a farmer.

The Humidity Factor

We’re at 17% humidity today. To someone from Florida, that sounds like a dream. To a local, it means you’re carrying a gallon of water and three different types of lip balm. The air here is greedy; it’ll pull moisture out of anything.

Even though it’s "only" 75°F, the UV index is still a 3 today. It sounds low, but with the lack of cloud cover, that desert sun still bites. You've gotta wear the sunscreen even when it feels "chilly."

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Why the Nights Feel Colder Than They Are

There’s this phenomenon in the desert where the ground loses heat incredibly fast once the sun drops. It’s called radiational cooling. Because there’s so little moisture in the air to trap the heat, a 75-degree day can feel like a 50-degree night the second the sun ducks behind the dunes.

Honestly, the "Yuma Shiver" is a real thing. You’ll see locals in heavy puffers the moment it hits 60°F. If you’re visiting, don’t laugh. You’ll be doing it too by Tuesday.

Survival Tips for the Current Forecast

If you're out and about this week, there are a few things that'll make your life easier. First, layers are your best friend. You'll want a hoodie at 7:00 AM, a t-shirt at noon, and that hoodie back on by 6:00 PM.

Second, watch the wind. We’re seeing 7-11 mph winds this week. It’s not much, but in the desert, wind equals dust. If you have allergies, this is the time to stay on top of your meds before the "Yuma Dust" gets the best of you.

Lastly, hydrate. Even if you aren't sweating. The yuma az weather forecast shows such low humidity that your sweat evaporates before you even realize you're losing water.

Next Steps for Your Week:

  • Check your irrigation timers; with the 10% rain chance, you probably don't need to change anything yet, but keep an eye on the Saturday/Sunday (Jan 24-25) forecast as humidity is expected to climb to the 30% range.
  • If you're heading to the Colorado River, the north wind today might make the water feel a bit choppier than usual, so plan accordingly.
  • Grab a jacket for the evening—that 57°F low tonight is going to feel a lot colder than it sounds.