“California Enters Fourth Month of Rainy Season with Signs of Drought Looming”

California is entering the fourth month of what is typically the rainy season, but in the Southland, the landscape is beginning to show signs of drought. The last significant rainfall recorded in Los Angeles was on May 5, with just 0.13 inches of rain in downtown. Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard, stated that this is one of the top ten driest starts to the rainy season on record, with plants as dry as they would be in October.

The wet season in California typically runs from October to April, with most precipitation occurring from December to February. However, current forecasts show little hope for a much-needed storm in the coming weeks, leaving the Southern California landscape vulnerable to wildfires and chronic water shortages.

According to a U.S. Drought Monitor map released this week, much of the region, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties, has fallen into moderate drought conditions. This is reminiscent of early 2023 when the state was exiting a punishing, years-long drought.

State climatologist Michael Anderson expressed concern about the lack of rain, particularly in the Central and Southern Sierra where snowpack numbers are below optimal levels. The long-range forecasts indicate below-average rainfall for Southern California in January, with drier conditions expected statewide in the coming weeks.

The South Coast hydrologic region, which includes over half of the state’s population, has only seen 10 other water years that began with under an inch of precipitation by January. While there is still a chance for the region to catch up on precipitation in the coming months, the current dry conditions are cause for concern.

Despite the dry start to the rainy season, officials remain hopeful that a significant storm could change the narrative quickly. However, preparations are being made for the worst-case scenario, with water reserves from prior years and potential assistance from the North and the Colorado River Basin.

The latest snowpack survey found the state at about 108% of average for this time of year, with major reservoirs sitting above average at 122% of the year-to-date median. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has made investments in storage and long-term planning to reduce dependence on imported water sources.

While Californians are familiar with the challenges of drought, experts are cautious about predicting another extended dry period. Weather patterns could still shift, improving conditions in Southern California or leaving Northern California behind for the year. The hope is for consistent snowfall throughout the winter to ensure water reserves for the state.

Despite the dry conditions, snowboarders and skiers have been enjoying the slopes in California, with varying conditions from Tahoe to Big Bear. While the lack of natural powder in the San Bernardino Mountains is not unusual for this time of year, there is optimism for a turnaround in weather patterns in the coming weeks.

Overall, California is facing a challenging start to the rainy season, with concerns about drought and wildfire risk. The hope is for a significant storm to bring much-needed precipitation to the region and alleviate the dry conditions that have persisted in recent months.