Honestly, if you’re looking at the forecast for Hemet CA this week and expecting typical winter gloom, you’re in for a bit of a shock. We’re currently sitting in a strange, sun-drenched pocket of Riverside County that feels more like early May than the middle of January.
Right now, as of Friday morning, January 16, 2026, the temperature in Hemet is a crisp 46°F. It’s nighttime, the sky is perfectly clear, and there’s a tiny northeast breeze moving at just 2 mph. But don't let that midnight chill fool you. The daytime is a completely different story.
Today’s Numbers and the Immediate Outlook
Basically, today is going to be gorgeous. We are looking at a high of 78°F. That is a solid 15 degrees above what the historical averages usually suggest for this time of year.
- Today (Jan 16): Expect pure sunshine. The humidity is dropping to around 30%, so it’s that classic dry Inland Empire heat. The wind stays light at 5 mph coming from the northeast.
- Tonight: It’ll cloud up a bit. We’re calling for "mostly cloudy" skies with a low of 47°F and a slight 10% chance of a stray shower.
- The Weekend: Saturday keeps the warmth at 77°F under partly sunny skies. Sunday stays consistent at 78°F.
It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to go for a hike at Simpson Park before the "real" winter decides to show up.
The Mid-Week Shift You Need to Watch
Here’s where things get interesting. We’ve been riding this high-pressure ridge, but the forecast for Hemet CA shows a noticeable cooling trend starting next Wednesday.
While Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20) will hang onto those high 70s—specifically 77°F and 78°F—the back half of the week takes a dive. By Thursday, January 22, the high drops to 71°F. That doesn't sound like much until you see Friday’s projected 68°F and Saturday’s 66°F.
Wait, it gets better. The precipitation chances, which are basically non-existent right now, start creeping up to 20% by next Thursday. It's not a washout, but it's a reminder that we are actually in January.
Why This Heatwave is Kinda Weird
If you talk to anyone who has lived in the San Jacinto Valley for decades, they’ll tell you January is usually the "wet month." Historical data from sources like the National Weather Service and WeatherSpark typically peg Hemet’s January highs at about 63°F to 65°F.
Hitting 78°F several days in a row is pushing into record-breaking territory. We’re seeing a UV index of 3 today, which is moderate. You actually need sunscreen if you’re out at Diamond Valley Lake for more than twenty minutes. Usually, this time of year, people are more worried about the morning frost on their windshields than getting a sunburn.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
The northeast winds we’re seeing right now (around 2 to 5 mph) are keeping the air dry. When the wind comes from the desert side like this, the humidity in Hemet tank—currently it's about 30% during the day.
However, notice the shift in the forecast for next Wednesday, January 21. The wind direction flips to the southwest. That’s the ocean air trying to push back in. When that happens, the humidity will likely climb back toward the 50% range, and those "partly cloudy" descriptions will turn into actual gray skies.
How to Handle the Hemet Swing
You’ve gotta dress in layers. There is no other way to survive a 30-degree temperature swing. You start the morning at 47°F in a heavy hoodie, and by 2:00 PM, you’re sweating in 78°F heat.
If you're planning any outdoor work or local travel, do it before Wednesday. The air quality is currently decent, but with these stagnant high-pressure systems, the valley can sometimes trap a bit of haze.
Keep an eye on the forecast for Hemet CA as we approach the 22nd. That’s when the "real" winter might finally try to make a comeback. For now, enjoy the "winter summer" while it lasts.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Hydrate heavily: The 30% humidity is deceptively drying.
- Check your irrigation: These 78-degree days will dry out your lawn faster than you think for January.
- Plan outdoor activities for Monday/Tuesday: These will be the last "hot" days before the temps drop back into the 60s.