The Inland Empire's Weird Winter Warm-up
Honestly, if you woke up this morning in Pomona and thought it felt a bit like a fake winter, you’re not alone. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and while most of the country is shivering through the usual January slog, we’re sitting here looking at a high of 79°F.
That’s basically summer.
Most people expect Pomona to be "chilly" this time of year—and it was, briefly, around 2:00 AM when it hit 52°F. But the day turned around fast. We’re currently looking at a crystal-clear sky and an east wind moving at a lazy 3 mph. It’s the kind of day where you leave the house in a hoodie and regret everything by noon.
Why today's Pomona weather is an outlier
You see, the "normal" high for mid-January in this part of the valley is usually somewhere in the mid-60s. We've shot way past that. According to local climate records and the latest from the Old Farmer's Almanac, we’re trending about 12 degrees above the historical average for this specific date.
It’s dry, too.
The humidity is sitting at 33% during the heat of the day. If you’ve got curly hair or dry skin, you’ve probably already noticed the static. The UV index is peaking at 3, which sounds low, but if you’re planning on being out at the Fairplex or walking around Downtown Pomona for more than twenty minutes, that Inland Empire sun will still bite.
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The Shift: Clouds and the 10% Chance
Don't get too comfortable with the clear blue sky. As we head into the evening, things are going to get a bit moody. The forecast shows a transition to mostly cloudy conditions tonight.
Is it going to rain?
Probably not, but there’s a 10% chance of a few stray drops. It’s the kind of "maybe" rain that usually just ends up making your car look like a leopard with all the dust spots. The temperature will drop back down to a low of 49°F overnight, so keep that jacket handy for the evening commute.
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Health and Activity Realities
With this kind of heat spike, the air quality in the Pomona Valley often takes a hit. Today’s AQI has been hovering in the "Poor" range, specifically due to Nitrogen Dioxide levels. If you’ve got asthma or sensitive lungs, maybe skip the heavy afternoon run at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park.
- Biking/Running: Fair conditions, but watch the air quality.
- Outdoor Events: Great for the Spiritual Healing session at 6:00 PM tonight, though it’ll be cooling off fast by then.
- Stargazing: Poor. Those incoming clouds are going to ruin the view by the time the sun stays down.
Basically, today is a bit of a weather rollercoaster. We start clear and hot, end cloudy and cool. It’s classic Southern California, really—just a little more extreme than we usually see in the middle of January.
Managing the Pomona Heat Spike
If you're out and about, the best move is layering. You’ve got a 30-degree swing between the high and the low today. That's a huge gap for your body to regulate.
Stay hydrated because that 33% humidity will sneak up on you. Even if you aren't sweating buckets, you're losing moisture. If you’re heading to the Anime Impulse or Asian American Expo prep over at the Fairplex, keep in mind that the indoor-outdoor transition is going to be brutal today.
Check your tire pressure if you're commuting on the 10 or the 60. These rapid temperature swings can mess with the sensors, and nobody wants a "low pressure" light on a Friday afternoon.
Keep an eye on the clouds after 5:00 PM. The east wind is staying calm at 3 mph, so the air might feel a bit stagnant until those clouds roll in to trap the heat. It’s a weird day, but hey, at least we aren't shoveling snow.