California summer experiences a slow start

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - The kickoff to summer is feeling a little different than usual in a California community.

"It's very spring-like. This feels more like March or April," said Jim Berger of Orangeville.

Typically, June brings 90 and even triple digit heat to Sacramento. But this year, it's much cooler by 10-to-15 degrees.

"This year, we are seeing something we really haven't seen since 2011, where the March, April, May time period is noticeably cooler than it has been in any of the years in between," said Michael Anderson, State Climatologist for the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Taking advantage of the cooler stretch

Many people are taking advantage of the cooler stretch by spending their time outdoors.

"I think it's better than normal because it's not so hot and even with paddle boarding you don't have to fall in hopefully so we can get the best of both worlds even with the cooler weather," Dawn Rojo of Fair Oaks.

And the cooler weather helping the state keep up after a historic snowpack.

"Slows that pace of melt and keeps those peaks into that manageable space allowing those reservoir operators and downstream communities to coordinate their activities and really make the best use of the water," Anderson explained.

Weather pattern

But why is it so much cooler? It's all thanks to our weather pattern.

"That onshore flow keeps cool ocean air penetrating inland," Anderson shared.

That pattern is making a run for the history books. With no triple digits in sight, California may just beat a 25 year record.

"This could be a year where July is the first 100-degree temperature which hasn't happened since 1998," said Craig Shoemaker of the National Weather Service (NWS).