Drought Likely to Worsen in California as Lack of Rain Continues

Dry conditions continue to expand and worsen in California, especially in the Southern, Central, and Coastal areas. The Drought Monitor and Palmer Drought Severity Index shows an extreme to exceptional drought for more than 40% of the state.

Although drought conditions are not as bad as 2014, improvement has been slight. With the lack of rain over the last few months, conditions are likely to worsen. Little rainfall has been seen in the last 30 days and almost none in the last week.

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With a ridge of high pressure building across the Western U.S., little rain or snow is in the forecast through the weekend. The only chances for moisture is in the northern sections of the state through Sunday.

A Red Flag Warning has been extended through Thursday for a high fire danger in areas of Southern California for low humidity and a brisk breeze.

Elevated fire weather conditions today across LA/Ventura counties due to gusty east winds + very warm/dry conditions.#LAWeather #cawx

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 9, 2016

Surface high pressure over New Mexico will create gusty easterly winds through early Thursday afternoon. #CAWX pic.twitter.com/We4OERTa5Z

— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) November 8, 2016

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels

Drought Data Sources: National Drought Mitigation Center, National Integrated Drought Information System, Western Regional Climate Center, California-Nevada Climate Application Program, West-Wide Drought Tracker