If you woke up this morning and felt like the air had a bit of a weird, unseasonable bite to it, you aren’t alone. Everyone wants to know what's the high temperature going to be today because, honestly, the weather has been acting a little strange lately. We are sitting in the middle of January 2026, and instead of the usual soggy, grey winter we expect in the Bay Area, we’re getting this bizarrely clear, bright sunlight that feels almost like early spring.
The short answer? If you are in San Francisco, you’re looking at a high of 59°F today.
But that number doesn't tell the whole story. While 59 degrees sounds like standard "light jacket" weather, the National Weather Service (NWS) is actually tracking a significant ridge pattern in the jet stream. This is causing a massive temperature split between the coast and the inland valleys. While we’re hovering near 60 on the Embarcadero, folks just a few miles inland—think Santa Rosa or the Santa Cruz Mountains—are watching their thermometers climb into the high 60s and even the low 70s.
The Science Behind Today's High Temperature
It’s all about the offshore flow. Normally, our weather is dictated by the "marine layer"—that cold, wet blanket of air that rolls off the Pacific. Right now, that system is taking a backseat.
The NWS Area Forecast Discussion issued this morning out of Monterey points to a strengthening ridge of high pressure. Basically, it's acting like a giant dome, pushing the cold Pacific air away and allowing the sun to bake the ground more than it usually would this time of year.
What to expect by the hour:
- Morning: We started with some patchy dense fog, especially near the Russian River and the Delta. Visibility was pretty rough for the early commute.
- Midday: The sun is winning. That fog is burning off fast, leaving us with mostly sunny skies.
- Afternoon Peak: Expect that 59-60°F high to hit around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM.
- Evening: As soon as the sun dips, it’s going to get chilly fast. We’re looking at a low of 48°F tonight, so don't leave the house without a layer.
Why Today’s Forecast is a Bit Deceptive
Here’s the thing about a 59-degree day in January: the "real feel" varies wildly depending on where you're standing. If you're out of the wind and in direct sunlight, it feels like 65. If you're in the shadow of a high-rise or caught in those 9 mph northerly breezes, you'll be shivering.
💡 You might also like: Chattahoochee Hills Georgia Weather Explained (Simply)
We also have to talk about the water. The NWS has issued a Beach Hazards Statement. While the air is mild, the ocean is currently producing "sneaker waves." These are those terrifyingly large waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can pull a person off the sand in seconds. If you're heading to Ocean Beach or any Pacific-facing shore today to enjoy the high temperature, stay off the jetties. The sea surface temperature is only about 54°F to 57°F. If you fall in, cold water immersion sets in almost instantly.
Looking Ahead: Is This a Heatwave?
Not exactly, but it's "very mild" for January. According to the long-term climate models (like the GFS ensembles), this warming trend is actually going to peak tomorrow, Thursday, Jan 15. We might even see some inland spots hit 80 degrees, which is wild for mid-winter.
Most people get wrong that "sunny" means "warm." In winter, clear skies usually mean the heat escapes into the atmosphere at night because there are no clouds to trap it. That’s why we’re seeing such a huge swing from the high 40s at night to the 60s during the day.
Your Plan for the Day
Since you know what's the high temperature going to be today, you can actually plan for it.
- Dress in three layers. A base shirt, a sweater, and a wind-resistant shell. You will be taking that shell off by noon and putting it back on by 5:00 PM.
- Hydrate more than usual. This offshore wind is dry. It’s "Tule Fog" season, which usually brings moisture, but the current high pressure is drying out the air more than we're used to.
- Check the surf. If you’re a photographer or a surfer, today offers great light and moderate seas (6 to 9 feet), but the sneaker wave risk is no joke.
- Inland vs. Coast. If you want it warmer, drive thirty minutes inland. You’ll gain 10 degrees easily.
The ridge pattern is expected to break by the last week of January, bringing rain back into the forecast. For now, enjoy the "false spring" while it lasts. Just keep that hoodie nearby.