"After experiencing one of the wettest holiday seasons on record, still soggy California hit a major milestone this week having zero areas of abnormal dryness for the first time in 25 years. The data, collected by the U.S. Drought Monitor, are a welcome nugget of news for Golden State residents, who in the last 15 years alone have lived through two of the worst droughts on record, the worst wildfire seasons on record and the most destructive wildfires ever."
"Right now, the wildfire risk across California is about as close to zero as it ever gets, and there is likely no need to worry about the state's water supply for the rest of the year, said University of California climate scientist Daniel Swain. Currently, 14 of the state's 17 major water supply reservoirs are at 70% or more capacity, according to the California Department of Water Resources."
California reached a milestone with 0% of the state classified as abnormally dry for the first time since December 2000 after an exceptionally wet holiday season. Powerful winter storms and atmospheric rivers soaked soils and filled reservoirs, bringing 14 of the state's 17 major water supply reservoirs to at least 70% capacity. Wildfire risk across the state is currently very low and water supplies are likely secure for the remainder of the year. Recent history includes a drought lasting over 1,300 days (Feb 2020–Oct 2023) and an earlier severe drought from 2012–2016. Climate change is expected to increase swings between extreme wet and dry conditions.
Read at www.latimes.com
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