By Reginald Stanley. Posted December 16, 2025, 11:01 PM.

Stubborn high pressure over the southwestern states has brought the return on prolonged dry, unseasonably warm weather - echoing a similar pattern the region had experienced in October and early November.

With no precipitation to-date for the month of December, caused by an area of persistent high pressure and resultant offshore flow, the winter of 2025-2026 has gotten off to a dry start across the region - following an unusually wet weather period in mid-November. Across the majority of Southern California, all sixteen days of December so far have recorded average temperatures that are above-average for the time of year. At most inland valley locations, high temperatures in the 80s were widespread throughout the month almost daily. The most recent day where temperatures were near normal or below average was November 30.

Temperatures are forecast to cool somewhat over the weekend into next week under weak onshore flow, however high temperatures are still predicted to be well-above average inland on Friday. An approaching shortwave trough is forecast to move into the region next week, bringing onshore flow and cooler temperatures with it - and a chance of precipitation for the region. Details such as timing and intensity remain uncertain, however current trends suggest the potential for unsettled weather around Christmas Eve/Christmas.