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Redding, California, is no stranger to high summer temperatures, yet this year’s heat wave is relentless and record-breaking.
In July alone, Redding has experienced average temperatures around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with the National Weather Service in Sacramento reporting 11 days where temperatures exceeded 110 degrees. This marks the highest number of such days recorded in Redding, surpassing the previous record of eight days set in 1988.
Cooling center news: Shasta County’s emergency cooling centers are essential for residents seeking relief during these sweltering temperatures, especially when the heat poses serious health risks.
According to meteorologist Karl Swanberg from the National Weather Service, the persistent high-pressure system typically found in the summer months has settled over the West Coast rather than the desert regions. This has created a high-pressure heat dome, contributing to the ongoing intense heat, a trend that began ongoing as early as June.
Is this the hottest it has ever been in Redding?
Residents faced an extraordinary six-day stretch in early July where daily highs surpassed 110 degrees, culminating in a staggering 119 degrees recorded on July 6—an all-time high for the city. Previously, Redding had reached 118 degrees in July on three occasions within the last century.
This surge in temperatures has pushed the average high for July to approximately 109.7 degrees, which is significantly above the historical average for the month by about 10 degrees.
“This year is likely to set a record for the highest average high temperature in July,” noted National Weather Service meteorologist Sara Purdue, adding that the previous record for average high temperature, established in 2021, was 103.5 degrees.
Sky Show: Don’t miss the stunning Perseid Meteor Shower—here’s how to enjoy it from Redding and throughout Shasta County.
Extreme hot weather across California
Residents of Redding might take some comfort that they’re not experiencing the extreme heat recorded in Needles, where the temperature has exceeded 112 degrees daily this month, peaking at a blistering 123 degrees on July 8. Needles’ average high for July currently stands at around 117 degrees.
Here’s a comparison of average July highs in other regions in California, along with their historical averages:
Barstow 112.3 (104.8)
El Centro 112.1 (107.7)
Red Bluff 107.9 (97.8)
Fresno 106.6 (97.4)
Bakersfield 106.3 (98.1)
Stockton 102.7 (95.3)
Modesto 102.3 (93.9)
Sacramento 100.6 (92.5)
Lake Shasta: A concerning trend is emerging as billions of gallons of water from Lake Shasta are vanishing at an alarming rate.
Is there any relief in sight for Redding?
The forecast indicates that Redding’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of 110 degrees on Tuesday, potentially marking the 12th day of temperatures above 110 for July.
A heat advisory is in effect for the Northern Sacramento Valley until 11 p.m. on Wednesday. However, relief may be on the horizon, with a cooling trend anticipated to begin after Wednesday, potentially bringing weekend temperatures down to the mid-90s.
This narrative has covered the extreme heat impacting Redding and wider California this July, highlighting both record-breaking temperatures and the expected changes in weather conditions.
Source
www.yahoo.com