New data from the US Drought Monitor reveals that drought conditions in Southern California are worsening due to the persistent lack of rain during what is typically the wet season. The latest report, released on Thursday, shows that severe drought (Level 2 of 4) now covers 10% of the state, with the most significant impact in the south and southeast regions.
Los Angeles County, currently battling multiple explosive fires that have scorched thousands of acres and structures, has seen severe drought conditions emerge for the first time in nearly two years. More than half of the county, including all major fire areas, is now affected by severe drought.
The Drought Monitor highlighted that the Santa Ana winds experienced in early January are likely to worsen the drought situation. These winds, which are fueling the ongoing fires, are also drying out vegetation and soil, further exacerbating the dry conditions.
January typically marks the second-wettest month in Los Angeles, with an average of 3.29 inches of rain. However, this year has seen minimal rainfall, with no significant precipitation since last spring. In fact, this has been the driest start to the water year in Los Angeles in over 80 years of recorded weather data.
Southern California has been experiencing increasing dryness since late summer, as fall and winter storms have largely bypassed the region, focusing instead on the Pacific Northwest. While the previous winter brought ample rain and snow to the Southwest, this season has taken a different turn, with a notable lack of precipitation.
This shift in weather patterns, characterized by extreme swings, is a growing trend attributed to climate change. The warming climate is contributing to more frequent and severe climate disasters, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to address and mitigate the impacts of drought and other environmental challenges.
