California’s Rainy Season Off to a Dry Start
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.
A Dry Start to the Season
The last time Los Angeles recorded rainfall over a tenth of an inch — the threshold that officials typically consider helpful for thirsty plants and the reduction of wildfire risk — was May 5, when downtown received just 0.13 inches of rain.
“It’s safe to say this is [one of] the top ten driest starts to our rainy season on record,” said Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. “Basically, all the plants are as dry as they normally are in October.”
Drought Conditions Spread
California’s wet season can run from October to April, although most of the precipitation occurs from December to February.
Current forecasts show little hope that a needed storm could develop in the next few weeks, and the Southern California landscape — ripe for wildfire and never far from chronic water shortages — is paying the price.
Much of the region, including the majority of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties, has fallen into moderate drought conditions, according to a U.S. Drought Monitor map released this week.
Long-Range Forecasts
The latest long-range forecasts show Southern California remaining in a below-average rainfall pattern for the entire month of January, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
And drier conditions appear to be in store statewide beginning next week through mid-January, marking a shift for Northern California in particular, where the season started with bouts of heavy rain and snow.
Conclusion
California’s rainy season is off to a dry start, with little hope of a needed storm in the near future. The state’s landscape is showing signs of drought, and officials are preparing for the worst. While there is still a chance for a dramatic turnaround, the current conditions are cause for concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical rainy season in California?
A: California’s wet season can run from October to April, although most of the precipitation occurs from December to February.
Q: How dry is the start to the season?
A: According to Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist, this is one of the top ten driest starts to the rainy season on record.
Q: What are the current drought conditions like in Southern California?
A: Much of the region, including the majority of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties, has fallen into moderate drought conditions.
Q: What is the outlook for the rest of the winter?
A: The latest long-range forecasts show Southern California remaining in a below-average rainfall pattern for the entire month of January, and drier conditions appear to be in store statewide beginning next week through mid-January.
Q: What does this mean for water supplies?
A: The dry start to the season could put pressure on water supplies, particularly in Southern California, where the landscape is ripe for wildfire and chronic water shortages.
Q: Is there still hope for a turnaround?
A: Yes, there is still a chance for a dramatic turnaround, particularly in Northern California, where the season started with bouts of heavy rain and snow. However, the current conditions are cause for concern.
