You’ve probably heard it before: if you don’t like the weather in Northern California, just wait five minutes. In Redding, that’s basically a law of nature, especially when you’re staring down a 14 day weather forecast redding ca during the weird transition weeks of January. Honestly, looking at the numbers right now, we are in for a bit of a psychological rollercoaster.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you step outside, it’s actually kinda nice. We’re sitting at 58°F with just a light breeze coming from the east. But don't let that fool you into thinking winter is packing its bags just yet. While the high today is hitting a remarkably warm 70°F—which, let’s be real, feels more like late March than mid-January—the overnight low is a crisp 37°F. That’s a 33-degree swing. Your morning coffee needs a parka; your afternoon walk needs a t-shirt.
Why Redding’s Forecast is a Different Beast
Redding is basically a giant heat bowl at the north end of the Sacramento Valley. In the summer, that sucks. In January, it means we get these bizarre "false springs" where the sun comes out, the UV index creeps up (it’s only at a 1 today, but heads up for tomorrow), and everyone starts thinking about gardening.
But here is what most people get wrong about the long-range outlook. They see "Sunny" and "73°F" for Monday, January 19 (Happy MLK Day, by the way), and assume the rain is done. It’s not. The north wind is going to kick up to 11 mph tomorrow, which makes that 73°F feel a lot more biting if you’re in the shade.
By Tuesday, January 20, the "overcoat" comes back. We’re looking at mostly cloudy skies and a high that drops back down to 67°F. It’s not freezing, but it’s a shift. The humidity is hanging out around 46% to 56% for the next few days, which is actually pretty dry for this time of year. Usually, January is our wettest month, but 2026 seems to be playing it a bit coy.
Breaking Down the Next Two Weeks
If you’re planning anything outdoors for the next 14 days, you need to watch the "back half" of this forecast.
Wednesday and Thursday (January 21–22) stay pretty consistent. Highs in the mid-60s, lows around 39°F or 40°F. It’s perfect "hoodie weather." Thursday actually looks like the winner of the week for a hike up at Whiskeytown or a walk across the Sundial Bridge because the wind dies down to a measly 3 mph from the west.
But check this out: as we move into next weekend, the clouds start stubborn-ing up.
- Saturday, Jan 24: High of 61°F. Partly sunny, but the humidity starts climbing.
- Sunday, Jan 25: 63°F during the day, but at night? There’s a weird 5% chance of snow listed in the long-range models. Now, don't get excited. It's probably just a dusting at higher elevations like Shasta Lake or Jones Valley, but it shows that the cold air is lurking just around the corner.
- Monday, Jan 26: High of 64°F. Still seeing that tiny 5% snow chance overnight.
Honestly, the real shift happens around Wednesday, January 28. That’s when the "mostly cloudy" turns into a legitimate 10% chance of rain that sticks around. The lows will actually start getting warmer (up to 46°F) because the cloud cover acts like a giant thermal blanket for the city.
The Expert Reality Check
I’ve been tracking Valley weather for a long time, and the biggest mistake people make is ignoring the dew point and the wind direction. When you see a north wind in Redding, it’s usually drying things out. When that wind shifts south, like it’s predicted to do on Tuesday, January 27, it’s pulling moisture up from the Delta. That’s your signal to find your umbrella.
According to historical data from sources like the National Weather Service and local climate trackers, Redding’s average high for January is usually only about 55°F. We are currently smashing that. Being 15 degrees above average today (70°F vs 55°F) is a huge anomaly. It feels great, but it often precedes a pretty sharp correction.
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If you are a gardener, do not—I repeat, do not—start planting your tomatoes yet. I know the sun feels amazing. I know the soil is starting to feel workable. But we still have those 37°F and 39°F nights coming. A late January frost is almost a guarantee in this part of the country, regardless of how "springy" it feels on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of the month.
What to Actually Do With This Info
Since the 14 day weather forecast redding ca is looking mostly dry but wildly variable in temperature, here is the move.
First, layers are your best friend. If you’re heading to the Redding Civic Auditorium or just grabbing lunch downtown, you’ll want a shell that breaks the wind, especially on Monday when those 11 mph gusts hit.
Second, if you’ve got outdoor projects—painting the fence, cleaning the gutters, or finally fixing that spot on the roof—do it between now and Saturday, January 24. Once we hit the following week, the moisture levels start creeping up, and by the 28th, we might actually see some real precipitation.
Keep an eye on the night of January 25. Even if the chance of snow is low, the drop in pressure can mess with your tires. Check your PSI. Cold air makes the air in your tires contract; a 30-degree swing like we're seeing today can easily trigger that annoying "low tire pressure" light on your dashboard.
Basically, enjoy the "false spring" while it lasts. It’s a gift. Just keep your winter coat near the front door, because Redding isn't done with January just yet.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure tonight while the temperature is at its lowest (37°F) to ensure you aren't running low.
- Schedule outdoor maintenance for the "sweet spot" window of Wednesday (Jan 21) through Friday (Jan 23) when winds are lowest.
- Hold off on sensitive planting until at least mid-March; these 70-degree days are outliers and won't protect your plants from the 30-degree nights.