You’d expect to be shivering right now. It's mid-January in Northern California, the time of year when the "Redding grey" usually settles in like a damp wool blanket. But honestly? The current 10 day redding ca weather forecast is acting like it skipped three months ahead to April.
If you’re standing outside near the Sundial Bridge today, Friday, January 16, you’re feeling a bizarrely pleasant 64°F. But that's just the appetizer. Forecasters are calling for a high of 75°F later today. In January. Let that sink in for a second. We’re talking about a city where the average high for this date is typically closer to 55°F. It's weird, it’s dry, and if you have travel plans, it’s basically a lottery win.
The Ridge That Won’t Quit
Basically, Redding is trapped under what meteorologists call a "dirty ridge." This high-pressure system is acting like a giant dome, pushing all those Pacific storms way up into Canada and leaving us with nothing but sunshine and light north winds.
While the valley floor is soaking up these unseasonably warm afternoons, there is a catch: the morning fog. Because we have this inversion layer—warmer air sitting on top of cooler air—the moisture gets trapped right at the surface. You've probably noticed it if you're driving the I-5 early in the morning. One minute it's clear, the next you’re crawling at 20 mph through a wall of white.
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But once that fog burns off? It’s pure spring vibes.
Looking at the Week Ahead
If you're planning your week, here is the raw deal on what to expect. Tomorrow, Saturday, we’re looking at a slight dip to 70°F. Still way above normal, but the clouds are going to start creeping in. By Sunday, the humidity jumps up to 59%, making it feel a bit more like actual winter, even with a high of 71°F.
The real "winter" doesn't actually show its face until later next week. We’re seeing a gradual slide in temperatures:
- Monday (Jan 19): Back up to 73°F and sunny. Perfect for a hike at Whiskeytown.
- Tuesday/Wednesday: Highs drop to 65°F.
- Next Weekend (Jan 24-25): We finally see the 50s again, with highs around 59°F to 60°F and a 10% chance of rain.
It’s not exactly a "storm of the century," but it’s a reminder that January isn't usually this nice to us.
What Most People Get Wrong About Redding Winters
Most people think Northern California is just a slightly rainier version of Los Angeles. Wrong. Redding is a "horseshoe" valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides. This geography does funky things to the weather.
Historically, January is our wettest or second-wettest month, usually dumping over 6 inches of rain. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago on January 5, we got hammered with over an inch of rain in a single day. But this 10-day stretch? It’s bone dry. The humidity today is a desert-like 22%. If you’re a local, you know what that means: chapped lips and static electricity everywhere.
Is This Normal? (Spoiler: Not Really)
According to historical data from the Western Regional Climate Center, a 75-degree day in mid-January is pushing the limits of record-breaking territory. Usually, we’re dodging puddles. This year, the Climate Prediction Center is hinting that we won't see "normal" wet weather again until at least January 22nd.
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For travelers, this is the "Goldilocks" zone. You can go snowshoeing at Lassen Volcanic National Park (which still has plenty of snow from the early January storms) and then come back down to Redding and eat dinner outside on a patio. It’s a weird contrast, but that’s the North State for you.
Survival Tips for the 10-Day Stretch
- Layers are non-negotiable. We’re seeing 30-degree swings. Friday’s high is 75°F, but the low is 47°F. You will be sweating at 2:00 PM and freezing by 8:00 PM.
- Watch the North Wind. We’ve got 10-11 mph gusts coming from the north today and Monday. It makes the air feel crisper than the thermometer says.
- Don't wash the car yet. Even though it’s sunny, that morning fog carries a lot of "valley grime." Plus, there’s that nagging 10% chance of rain by next Saturday that will just spot your windshield.
The big takeaway? Enjoy the "False Spring" while it lasts. By the end of the month, the high-pressure ridge is expected to break, potentially opening the door for those heavy Pacific storms to return.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your irrigation: With humidity dropping to 22% and temps hitting the 70s, your outdoor plants might actually need a drink, despite it being January.
- Plan outdoor recreation now: Target Monday, Jan 19, for any major outdoor projects or hikes, as it's the last "peak" warm day before the slow cooling trend begins.
- Monitor the fog: If you're commuting between Redding and Red Bluff, expect visibility to drop significantly between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM through Tuesday.