Right now, if you step outside in Santa Monica or take a stroll through Echo Park, you'll notice something weird. It is mid-January, yet it feels like early June. People are walking around in t-shirts, the local beaches are actually seeing some action, and everyone is wondering if winter just decided to skip town.
The los angeles two week forecast is showing a massive split between this week’s "fake summer" and a return to reality coming soon. Honestly, it’s kinda confusing. We are currently sitting in the middle of a prolonged Santa Ana wind event that has sent temperatures soaring 10 to 15 degrees above the seasonal average.
The Heat Wave Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Is Using)
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, we are peaking. We’re looking at a high of 80°F or maybe even 81°F depending on how the off-shore flow behaves. Tomorrow, Thursday, should be much of the same, with the mercury hovering right around 79°F or 80°F.
It’s dry. Really dry.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is keeping a close eye on these off-shore winds. While we aren't seeing the terrifying 60 mph gusts that usually trigger Red Flag warnings, the lack of humidity is definitely noticeable. You’ve probably noticed your skin feeling like parchment paper lately. That’s the Santa Ana effect in full force.
Enjoy the shorts while you can.
By Friday, January 16, things start to shave off a couple of degrees. We’ll hit 77°F. Still gorgeous. Still warm. But the peak of the ridge is moving.
When the "Pattern Shift" Actually Hits
Meteorologists at UCLA and the NWS have been debating when the jet stream is going to stop being stubborn. For a while, the models suggested we’d see rain by this coming Saturday. That has since been debunked.
The high pressure is basically a brick wall.
It is holding the storm track way up north, leaving us with nothing but high clouds and beautiful sunsets. However, as we look toward the second half of this los angeles two week forecast, the "brick wall" starts to crumble.
Around Wednesday, January 21, the vibe changes completely.
Expect the highs to drop from the high 70s down into the high 60s. That’s a 10-degree swing in about 48 hours. The overcast skies will return, and the marine layer—which has been totally absent during this wind event—is going to come roaring back.
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Will It Actually Rain?
This is the million-dollar question for Angelenos. We are currently in a weak La Niña cycle. Traditionally, that means a drier winter for Southern California, but 2026 is proving to be a bit more "neutral" than predicted.
Here is the breakdown for next week:
- January 21-22: Expect a thick marine layer. Some "pissing" drizzle is possible, especially in the foothills.
- January 23: Temperatures bottom out around 65°F or 66°F.
- January 24-25: This is our first real window for actual measurable rain. The models are still fighting over the timing, but there's a 50% chance of light showers moving through.
Don't expect a washout. We aren't looking at "atmospheric river" levels of drama here. It’s more of a typical January cool-down that brings us back to what’s normal for this time of year—highs in the mid-60s and lows in the high 40s.
The Real Impact on Your Life
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, the next five days are basically perfect. Just bring a jacket for the evening. The desert-like air means that as soon as the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains at 5:06 PM, the temp drops like a stone.
You’ll go from 80°F at 2:00 PM to 58°F by dinner time.
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Also, watch out for the "January itch." With humidity hovering around 20%, static electricity is going to be a pain. If you have sensitive plants, keep them watered; this dry wind is a silent killer for balcony gardens.
Looking further out toward the end of the month, the los angeles two week forecast suggests we’ll stay in this cooler, more unsettled pattern. The "fake summer" of mid-January is a temporary gift. By the time we hit January 28, we’ll be back to gray mornings and crisp, 69-degree afternoons.
Actionable Insights for the Next 14 Days:
- Sun Protection: The UV index is hitting a 3 (Moderate) this week. Since it feels "cool" in the shade, people forget they're burning. Wear the SPF if you're out at the beach.
- Hydration: Both for you and your pets. Santa Ana winds dehydrate everything faster than you realize.
- Timing Your Errands: If you have outdoor projects or car washing to do, get it done before Tuesday the 20th. After that, the "may-gray" style cloud cover returns.
- Check Your Wipers: We haven't had a real rain in a bit. Check your windshield wipers now before the potential showers hit on the 24th. Most people realize theirs are dry-rotted only when the first drop hits the glass.