If you’ve spent any time in the North State, you know Redding weather is basically a series of mood swings. One week we’re dealing with "frog-strangler" atmospheric rivers that turn the I-5 into a lake, and the next, it's so sunny you're looking for your flip-flops in January. Honestly, after the chaos of the Christmas floods that hit us just a few weeks ago, this current stretch of weather feels like a much-needed deep breath.
Right now, the 10 day forecast for Redding California is showing a surprisingly stubborn ridge of high pressure. That means we’re trading the sandbags for sunglasses, at least for a little while.
The Immediate Outlook: Sunny and Unseasonably Warm
Today, Tuesday, January 13, is starting out crisp but it’s heading toward a high of 66°F. That is nearly 10 degrees above what we usually see this time of year. If you look at the historical averages from places like WeatherSpark or U.S. Climate Data, a typical January day in Redding struggles to break 54°F. We are blowing past that.
The sun is going to be a permanent fixture through the end of the work week. Tomorrow, Wednesday, we’re looking at 69°F. By Thursday? It’ll likely hit 71°F. It’s the kind of weather that makes you forget we’re in the dead of winter, but don’t let it fool you. The nights are still biting. Lows are hovering between 43°F and 48°F. If you’re heading out to the Sundial Bridge for a sunset walk, bring the heavy coat. The temperature drops fast the second that sun dips behind the Trinity Alps.
Breaking Down the Next 10 Days
It’s not all T-shirt weather, though. Here is how the mid-range pattern is shaking out:
- Friday, Jan 16: Still bright. Highs near 70°F. The north wind might pick up a bit, gusting around 8 mph, which keeps the air feeling dry and sharp.
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): We see a slight "cool down," if you can even call it that. Expect highs around 67°F. It’s perfect for hiking Upper Sacramento River Trail without the usual January mud.
- Monday, Jan 19: Mostly sunny with a few periodic clouds. High of 67°F.
- The Shift (Jan 20-22): This is where things get interesting. The high pressure starts to break down. Tuesday will see increasing clouds and a high of 64°F. By Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures tumble back toward the 50s. We’re looking at highs of 58°F and 56°F respectively.
Will the Rain Return?
Everyone is asking about the rain. After the December storms dumped upwards of 10 inches in some parts of Shasta County, there’s a lot of anxiety about the next big system.
The current 10 day forecast for Redding California suggests the dry spell holds until about January 21. After that, the models are sniffing out some moisture. We might see some light sprinkles late Wednesday, Jan 21, but the real potential for a soaking doesn't arrive until Friday, Jan 23.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac and several long-range models have been pointing toward a "whiplash" January. We’ve had the wet, now we have the dry, and they’re predicting another rainy period toward the end of the month. It's that classic California La Niña pattern—long stretches of nothing followed by a fire hose of a storm.
Why This Forecast is Kinda Weird
Usually, January is our wettest month. Average rainfall for Redding in January is over 6 inches. So far, this mid-month stretch is bone dry.
One thing to watch out for is the morning fog. With the ground still somewhat saturated from the December floods and these warm days, the "Tule fog" can get thick in the Sacramento Valley. It’s been patchy lately, but as the winds die down toward the end of the week, don't be surprised if your morning commute on Highway 44 involves a wall of white.
Local Knowledge: What to Watch For
- Frost Risk: Even with 70-degree days, the clear skies at night allow all that heat to radiate away. If you’ve already started some early garden prep, keep the frost blankets handy for those 40-degree mornings.
- Burn Days: With the north winds expected to be light (under 10 mph) for most of the week, check the Shasta County Air Quality Management District before you light any piles. The "dry" air can be deceptive, and fire officials are still on high alert after a dry 2025.
- The Snowpack: While we’re enjoying the sun in town, we really need the snow in the mountains. This warm spell is a "pineapple express" lite—it’s great for patio dining but not great for the snowpack at Mt. Shasta or the Trinitys.
Actionable Insights for Redding Residents
Don't let the 70-degree sunshine make you complacent. This is the perfect window to do the maintenance you couldn't do during the December deluges.
Clean your gutters now. The forecast shows a window of dry weather through Jan 20. Use it. Debris from the last storm is likely clogging your downspouts, and you don't want to be on a ladder when the next system hits on the 23rd.
Check your tires. We’ve had reports of major potholes forming on State Route 273 and Buenaventura Boulevard following the floods. Even on dry days, hitting those at 50 mph will ruin your week.
Hydrate your plants. It sounds crazy to water in January, but with 70-degree highs and low humidity (dropping to 39% by Friday), some of your shallower perennials might actually need a drink.
Monitor the 21st. The transition from high pressure back to a storm track is often when we get the windiest conditions. Keep an eye on patio furniture or loose items as we hit the middle of next week.
The bottom line is that Redding is in a "sweet spot" right now. Enjoy the sun, get your outdoor chores done, and keep an eye on that Friday, Jan 23 date for the return of the rain.
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Next Steps for Staying Prepared:
- Check the CalTrans QuickMap app before traveling north into the mountains, as temperatures there will be significantly lower than in the Redding basin.
- Clear any lingering storm debris from your local street drains to prevent localized pooling when the rain returns.
- Sign up for Shasta Ready alerts to stay informed on any sudden changes to the flood watch status later this month.