Thermal, Census-designated place in Riverside County, California.
Thermal is a census-designated place in Riverside County, California, situated in the Coachella Valley at 138 feet (42 m) below sea level. The area spans desert terrain surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides and is crossed by irrigation canals that support farming operations.
The settlement began in 1910 as a railroad camp for Southern Pacific Railroad workers. Permanent housing along Avenue 56 developed during the 1930s, establishing the foundation for ongoing residential growth.
The population of 2,865 residents maintains strong agricultural traditions, with many working in farming operations that benefit from the canal irrigation system.
The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport handles private and commercial air traffic, while State Route 86 connects to nearby cities like Palm Springs. The area is relatively accessible by car from surrounding communities.
Summer temperatures exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 28 days each year, making it one of the hottest places west of the Rocky Mountains. This extreme heat shapes how residents and visitors experience daily life throughout the year.
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