WHY is My Town one of the Hottest cities in California?
On July 6, 2024, Redding set a record with an unprecedented temperature of 119 degrees. I braved the scorching heat to experience it, similar to stepping into a fiery furnace, with intense dryness. It reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!
How can such high temperatures occur at 40°N in summer?
California has a BIG valley in the center of the state, with the coastal left side and mountainous right side creating different climates. Most of the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the highest mountains experience an alpine climate. The desert, like Death Valley, is the hottest place on Earth at 282 feet below sea level. The state's diverse climates, from beaches to mountains, offer unique experiences for everyone, all in one state!
WHY is My Town one of the Hottest cities in California?
Redding's inland location limits the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, while surrounding mountains create a "compression" effect that warms the air. The gentle breezes from the Sacramento River Delta does not reach our town.
William H. Brewer's journals from 1860-1864 noted significant temperature variations in California, including Shasta County, with recorded extremes reaching 150°F in the sun. He also noted the dramatic daily temperature changes in California, with nighttime lows dropping to 46°F, resulting in a remarkable daily range exceeding 100°F.
Redding experiences hot summers and mild winters, with average lows in the mid-30s. Rainfall increases in the fall and winter, while summer remains dry, unlike other states. These factors contribute to Redding being one of California's hottest cities, especially in summer.
Never say never 🌞🌞🌞
Growing up, my family took annual summer camping trips here. It was always so hot, unlike my cool, foggy summers at home. I promised myself I'd never settle in that “godforsaken place.” Yet, here I am, defying that vow.
Life has a funny way of changing things, and a good air conditioning system helps.
I looked at that photo for ages. Who are they? They reminded me of a TV series and the lady was Victoria Principle, (I think). Either the High Chapperal or the Big Valley, or Bonanza.
ReplyDeleteIt's hot over here too. We've been told it's because some people cook and leave the oven door open.
God bless.
Victor, It’s the cast of the Big Valley. I liked all those you mentioned.
DeleteGod bless
Thank God for the A/C, am I right? Lived in Georgia all my life and we have hot summers but they are even hotter now. Interesting info about Redding, California. I once worked with a woman from that city.. She missed the fresh fruits and vegetables you have in California.
ReplyDeleteSmall world. 🌎 I wonder how a Redding person ended up on the east coast?
DeleteThank God for the A/C, am I right? Lived in Georgia all my life and we have hot summers but they are even hotter now. Interesting info about Redding, California. I once worked with a woman from that city.. She missed the fresh fruits and vegetables you have in California.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a challenging location, but beautiful, with the opportunity to travel quite easily to other areas.
ReplyDeleteTrue and I have found, you do get used it - up to 99 degrees is a cooler than normal summer and we adapt. Thank God it’s only for a couple of months in the summer. My parents used to take off and go to Coos Bay Oregon to get away from the heat.
DeleteYou do live in an unique area. I have lived in Michigan my entire life. Been to every state on the east coast. The farthest west I have visited is Kansas City, MO. Sure hope the you get some relief with the temps. I get upset when it gets to the 90's here. Janice
ReplyDeleteGeographically it is very unique. I was just watching a video about all the volcanoes that are still active - just dormant at this time in our Cascade mountains. Mt Shasta and Mt Lassen near me is part of that.
DeleteYou have to be tough, I'd have a hard time. Thank goodness for AC!
ReplyDeleteAC helps a lot plus the fact that the triple digits only last for 2 maybe 3 months. My parents used to take off to Coos Bay Oregon during these months in their motorhome.
DeleteWow, we are having a "cool down" today of only 99F its better than yesterday's 102F though.
ReplyDeleteI Never thought I would live in the Sacramento valley with its heat...so I'm like you..go figure!!
So grateful for AC which we never needed in Pacifica.
Sue
Officially it is 108 but our backyard is 111. We didn’t need AC in Pacifica or even down the peninsula in San Mateo where I raised my boys. But when we’d have those heatwaves, it was hot and all we had were box fans. My MIL lived on Seville and would call to let us know when the fog was off the coast which meant relief was on its way. Loved that natural air conditioning we had there!
DeleteI know, Debby, I often wonder that. You are so hot in the valley, and I barely like to come to the city to visit in the summertime. It's been warm here, but still cool in the mornings, and I even have my door open right now for some fresh air. Jess and Nel, who live in So Cal, get 80 degree weather in the summer where they live. But my hometown got pretty hot, in the 100's. Here in the mountains, it usually doesn't get higher than the 90's, and many of the summer days are in the 80's. So, try to stay cool. And I love your last words, "never say never." You are so wise to know this.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Fortunately it really is only unbearable 2-3 months in the summer. The fall, winter and spring is nice.
DeleteWhen I look at the cast of the television show, all I can think about is how hot it would be to dress so formally. Thank you for the relief map, which puts things in perspective for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd no air conditioning. There are still a few elderly locals here that I know who grew up here with no AC.
DeleteI have family in the Los Angeles area, and you are much hotter than they are. I always found that odd because you are so much farther north. However, I think I get it now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI often wondered it myself - the hot air and even wildfire smoke gets trapped. It’s just the summer months that are unbearable. The rest of the year is pleasant
DeleteI enjoyed your detailed explanation as to why it gets so hot where you live in Redding, Debby. California certainly does have its share of varied climates. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThroughout the years I would get comments and thought I would just do a post about it. Today was 111 in our backyard
DeleteI would think this is the hottest temp anywhere in the entire country!!! It must be really hard for your air conditioner to keep up with it.
ReplyDeleteNo, Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature on the planet at 134.
DeleteYes, we have to have twice a year maintenance and a very sturdy AC for this area. Window AC’s and the newer models don’t cut it.
Wow that is just too hot-period. thank goodness for a/c now. we retired from northern Illinois to sw Missouri I am still not used to the high humidity and hot summers here. I knew were do for another super hot (90's) with the high humidity since we had such a rough winter. after 20 plus years I am still don't like it especially being seniors now.
ReplyDeletestay safe-enjoyed your post
Air Conditioning has to be the greatest invention! It’s hot but not humid and I know it’s difficult to understand but that humidity makes things so sticky and uncomfortable. Here it’s just HOT. I can sit outside and not sweat. It’s actually nice if your bones hurt. Just can’t stay out too long.
DeleteInteresting! This sounds so much like Phoenix ... mostly the reason I'm living in (a little) cooler Alabama.
ReplyDeleteAfter living here, I could live in the desert but at least we cool down here. It’s just our hot summers. As for Alabama, I think it’s hot there and so humid. Last time we went was in August and we hit a nice spell - around 80 degrees and tolerable humidity.
DeleteWhile we do not get as hot as you, living on the prairies where there is no shade and very dry winds makes it feel much warmer than it is here. Thank heavens for air conditioning and fans.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes air conditioning has got to rank high for one of the best inventions.
DeleteTry living here, in Florida. LOL---wishing you a lovely day my friend.
ReplyDeleteNo thanks.
DeleteI was living in Southern California for most of my elementary school years. I remember my class (each student) making a relief map of the state with Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta, the Big Valley, San Francisco, and so much more. It's a good memory.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun. I’ve always enjoyed looking and studying maps as a child and even as an adult. I don’t use GPS - they confuse me. 🤷♀️
DeleteI think I'll stay right here in the woods where the temperature is quite nice. :)
ReplyDeleteEven our “woods” is hot. Only for 2-3 months in the summer.
DeleteWow that's hot! But you live in such a beautiful area it's worth powering through the two hot months! Kind of like getting through the two really cold months here!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it really is. Mostly we all laugh about it. And smile when tourists come and can’t handle it. It’s just the way it is.
DeleteI have always loved the Redding area. I guess I never realized just how hot it gets in the summer. No wonder my parents would only take the coastal route from Portland to San Francisco on our summer holidays.
ReplyDeleteYou’re probably right!
DeleteI remember some years ago in summer here in Oregon that there was so much rain that it took awhile to get the farms that hay to be taken care of as is getting the bales done then indoors when they are dry. 98° on Sunday. Phil went on a walk without me as I was needed a nap. I hope my hydrangea plant does not succumb due to the hot temperature we've had lately. I got it early July and it's in an area with less sun in afternoon. We're between the coast and mountains. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteMy sons are up at Crater Lake today and tomorrow and then at some point they’ll end up at Coos Bay. Nice to hear from you Becky
DeleteDebby, that is terrible about the Deer. I didn't realize that. But it makes sense, as the wild is their home, and that's where the fires blaze. That's awful that you saw three of them on the highway. I'd love to see your wooden watering can sometime. I got mine from Dollar General too. I couldn't pass it up because the word "love" was dangling from it. I'm glad you have good neighbors as well; that makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteYes it was upsetting to see the deer - 🦌 such beautiful creatures. Are you getting much smoke? We have been socked in and it’s very unhealthy to be outside. They’re saying the Green fire will burn out on its own - so it will probably be till Fall. The steep and rugged terrain can’t be accessed and the smoke is keeping the aircraft from getting in there. Keep all the animals in your prayers. Fortunately no structures are threatened.
DeleteNo, we're not getting much of the smoke at all. I will just be relieved when it is all contained. Is it safe to travel to your town for a day of shopping. I know you are closer to it than we are.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's safe. They are going to let it burn till the Fall, so the smoke will be with us for a while.
DeleteReading this on January 20, 2026 after seeing the link for it in your January 20, 2026 blog post. Very interesting! I had no idea that Redding gets so very hot in the summer.
ReplyDelete