California — Pale morning light reflects off quiet streets as cool air hangs briefly over Los Angeles before warmth surges in fast. Jackets feel necessary early, but they won’t last long once the sun climbs.
Temperatures rise quickly through the morning, reaching the upper 70s this afternoon across Downtown Los Angeles, East L.A., and surrounding valleys. Clear skies and light winds create one of the warmest January days so far, ideal for outdoor plans and holiday travel. Coastal areas stay slightly cooler, but sunshine dominates.
By late day, the atmosphere begins to shift. Temperatures ease back into the low 50s tonight, and patchy clouds drift in. While widespread fog is not expected, visibility could dip slightly in low-lying neighborhoods and near freeway corridors like I-5 and US-101 during late-night travel.
Tuesday repeats the warm pattern with highs again near the upper 70s. The change arrives Wednesday. Highs fall into the low 70s, clouds increase, and mornings feel cooler. To be fair, conditions remain dry, but the air loses its spring edge. By Thursday, highs settle closer to the upper 60s, more typical for January.
This calm stretch reflects a broader West Coast setup. High pressure keeps Southern California warm while a strong cold blast grips the Midwest and East. Long-range outlooks suggest temperatures remain above normal locally into late January, even as the rest of the country cools sharply.
For now, plan layers. Expect crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and comfortable evenings. Drivers should stay alert for subtle visibility changes after dark.
Did Los Angeles feel more like March than January today? Share how warm it got where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Los Angeles, CA
Today: Sunny, warm, high near 78
Tuesday: Sunny, warm, high near 77
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 72
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 68
Friday: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 67
