You’ve seen the charts. You’ve probably already checked your phone three times today. But honestly, the 10 day forecast Redding California residents are looking at right now is a bit of a head-scratcher, especially for mid-January in the North State.
Usually, we're dodging puddles or complaining about the "Pineapple Express" dumping inches of rain on the Sundial Bridge. Not this week.
Basically, we are looking at a weirdly stable bubble. If you were planning to hunker down with a book and wait for a storm, you might want to rethink that. It’s actually looking pretty decent out there, though "decent" in Redding usually means a wild swing between freezing your toes off at 6:00 AM and peeling off layers by lunch.
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next 10 Days?
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re sitting at a comfortable high of 65°F. That is well above the historical average for this time of year, which usually hovers in the mid-50s. If you’re heading out tonight, don’t let the sun fool you; it’s dropping down to 42°F.
Tomorrow looks like the peak of this little heat wave. Monday, January 19, is forecasted to hit 67°F.
It’s sunny. It’s dry. It’s basically fool's spring.
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But then things get a little grey. Starting Tuesday, the clouds start to roll in and stay for a while. We aren't looking at massive downpours, though. The chance of rain stays low—around 10% most days—as temperatures slowly slide back toward reality. By next Sunday, January 25, we’re looking at a high of only 51°F.
That’s a 14-degree drop in a week. Your sinuses are probably going to love that.
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
Honestly, listing these out is the easiest way to see the trend. Notice how the highs just slowly melt away as we get deeper into the month:
- Monday (Jan 19): High of 67°F, Low of 43°F. Pure sun.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): High of 62°F. The clouds show up to spoil the party.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): High of 60°F. Still cloudy, still dry-ish.
- Thursday (Jan 22): 64°F. A brief pop of sun returns.
- Friday (Jan 23): 65°F. Another gorgeous winter day.
- Saturday (Jan 24): 61°F. Mostly sunny, but cooling down.
- Next Sunday (Jan 25): 51°F. The "big chill" of the week.
The wind isn't doing much, either. We’re seeing mostly light breezes from the North or Northwest at 3 to 7 mph. It’s the kind of weather where the smoke from people’s fireplaces just sort of hangs in the valley.
The Shasta Lake Factor
You can’t talk about the 10 day forecast Redding California without looking at what’s happening up the hill at the dam.
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As of this week in 2026, Shasta Lake is actually in great shape. It’s sitting at about 113% of its historical average. This is huge. A few years ago, we were looking at cracked dirt and "ghost towns" emerging from the receding waters. Now? The lake is only about 52 feet from the brim.
Because the lake is so full, the local humidity stays a bit higher, which contributes to that thick Tule fog we get in the mornings. If you're driving I-5 early this week, watch out. The transition from 67-degree sunshine to 40-degree "can't see my own hood" fog is a classic Redding trap.
Why Is It So Dry Right Now?
Meteorologists are pointing toward a split jet stream. Basically, the storms are being shoved north toward Oregon or south toward the Bight, leaving us in a weird "dry slot."
While the 10-day outlook shows very little precipitation—mostly just 5% to 10% chances of a stray shower—don't get too comfortable. Historically, late January is when the "stormiest periods" hit. The Old Farmer’s Almanac actually predicted a rainy period for mid-to-late January, so this current dry spell might be the calm before a very wet February.
What Most People Get Wrong About Redding Winters
A lot of people think Northern California is like San Diego. It’s not.
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We get actual cold. The UV index is currently sitting at a 1 or 2, which is low, but that winter sun is deceptive. Because our air is so clear between storms, you can actually get a bit of a burn if you’re out hiking the Sacramento River Trail for three hours at midday.
Also, the "feels like" temperature here is a real thing. With humidity levels jumping between 40% and 70% this week, a 50-degree day can feel bone-chilling if the dampness sets in.
Expert Tips for the Coming Week
If you’re living through this 10-day stretch, here is how to handle it like a local:
- Layers are your religion. You’ll start the day in a puffer jacket and end it in a t-shirt. Don't be the person sweating in a parka at 2:00 PM.
- Watch the Lake. If you’re a boater, this is a great window to get out before the next big system hits in February. The ramps are high and the water is glassy.
- Allergy Alert. This weirdly warm weather often triggers early oak or cedar pollen. If you start sneezing on Tuesday, it’s not a cold—it’s just Redding being Redding.
The most important thing to remember about the 10 day forecast Redding California provides is that it’s a snapshot. In a valley surrounded by mountains, things change fast. A storm can hop over the Trinity Alps and be on top of us in three hours, regardless of what the app said this morning.
Keep an eye on the sky, enjoy the 67-degree Monday while it lasts, and maybe keep the umbrella in the trunk just in case that 10% chance of rain decides to beat the odds.
Actionable Insights for the Week:
Check your tire pressure as the morning lows drop toward 40°F later this week, and take advantage of the sunny Friday (Jan 23) for any outdoor maintenance before the cooler, cloudier shift on the 25th.