First the News: The sudden  departure of Sweet Lady Jane —  and the the venerable IHOP in West Hollywood has stirred unease as the year begins. Lady Jane closed all six locations (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Encino, West Hollywood, and San Fernando) on December 31, 2023, following 35 years of business. IHOP, the place for pancakes, has been in operation since the early 1970s. Located within reach of Barney’s Beanery, the IHOP was said to be impacted by a future neighbor, the Holloway Interim Housing Facility. It should noted that both are in West Hollywood and the City Council recently voted toincrease to the minimum wage to $19.08 an hour— the highest in the country. But let us not dwell on bad politics, let us take a look at the finer things of living in the Southern California area:

The Weather: In January, Southern California typically experiences mild and cool weather, although temperatures can vary depending on the specific location within the region.

Here are some general expectations:

1. Temperature: Coastal areas, such as Los Angeles and San Diego, tend to have daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (12-23°C). Inland areas may experience slightly cooler temperatures, especially during the evenings and early mornings.

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3. Rainfall: January is considered part of Southern California’s rainy season, but overall precipitation tends to be lower than in the winter months in other parts of the country. Coastal areas might receive occasional light rain, while mountainous regions could see some snowfall. But, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System region began Water Year 2023 100% in drought and ended with less than 1% of the region in drought. Water your lawn!

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5. Sunshine: Southern California is known for its sunny weather, and January is no exception. Despite occasional rain, you can still expect a good amount of sunshine, making it a pleasant time to explore the region. Don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses.

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7. Santa Ana Winds: Southern California is occasionally affected by Santa Ana winds, which are warm, dry winds that can lead to increased fire danger. While these winds are more common in the fall, they can still occur in January, so residents should be aware of fire weather conditions. The winds have also been written about—here is passage from Joan Didion:

   “There is something uneasy in the Los Angeles air this afternoon, some unnatural stillness, some tension. What it means is that tonight a Santa Ana will begin to blow, a hot wind from the northeast whining down through the Cajon and San Gorgonio Passes, blowing up sand storms out along Route 66, drying the hills and the nerves to flash point. For a few days now we will see smoke back in the canyons, and hear sirens in the night.”

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9. Snow in Mountains: Higher elevations, such as the mountains surrounding the region, may experience snowfall. Popular mountain destinations like Big Bear Lake and Mount Baldy can be covered in snow during this time, making them attractive for winter sports enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary from year to year, and anomalies are always possible. Therefore, it’s advisable to check local weather forecasts closer to your intended visit for more accurate and up-to-date information.