California has achieved a historic milestone, with no areas classified as abnormally dry for the first time in 25 years, following the wettest holiday season on record. Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that only 0.7% of the state remained abnormally dry after a significant drought that lasted over 1,300 days. This shift is largely due to winter storms and atmospheric rivers that filled reservoirs, with 14 of 17 major water reservoirs at least 70% full.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain noted that the wildfire risk is currently “close to zero” and there are no immediate concerns about water supply for the rest of the year. Despite the positive outlook, he cautions that climate change will lead to more extreme weather patterns, alternating between severe droughts and intense rainfall. This phenomenon, referred to as the “atmospheric sponge effect,” reflects the increasing volatility of California’s weather.
For instance, the state has experienced both heavy snowfall and dryness within short timeframes, creating conditions that can exacerbate wildfire risks. Although this winter has shown less destructive potential than previous drought years, ongoing climate variability means residents should prepare for future fluctuations between wet and dry conditions. The current snowfall in the Sierra Nevada is below average, highlighting ongoing challenges for water resources, particularly in Southern California, which relies heavily on the Colorado River.
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