California is completely drought-free for the first time in 25 years
The Guardian••general
Key Points:
- California is drought-free for the first time in 25 years, following several wet years and recent heavy winter storms that replenished reservoirs beyond historic averages.
- The US Drought Monitor reported no part of California currently experiencing drought or abnormal dryness, a milestone not seen since 2000.
- The state's recent intense storms in 2023 brought significant rainfall and winds, easing but not completely ending drought conditions until early 2024.
- Despite the drought-free status, California's snowpack in the Sierra Nevada remains at about 70% of average, which is crucial for water supply in the coming months.
- Hydrologists caution that it is too early to predict the year's water outlook, emphasizing the need for increased snow accumulation
