FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — In a state usually known for its persistent drought, California is now marking a significant milestone. For the first time in 25 years, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports not a single square mile of dryness anywhere in the state.
“Certainly off to a strong start with the water year 2026,” State Climatologist Dr. Michael Anderson told Action News.
This positive classification follows a series of powerful storms late last year that dumped heavy rain across the Valley and much of California, replenishing reservoirs statewide.
“We’ve recovered the storage that we spent last year,” Anderson explained. “So the bank account or water account, in this case, with the reservoirs, is back up to where we want it to be.”
### California Now Drought-Free
California went drought-free in 2023 but still had some areas classified as “abnormally dry.” This year, those dry spots have completely disappeared. The current map shows no dryness anywhere, marking an “exceptionally wet period” for the state.
Despite this encouraging news, water officials urge caution.
“Our demands are really stressing the available supplies,” said Adam Claes from the Fresno Irrigation District. “You almost have to plan out every year.”
Claes emphasizes that water continues to be a stressed resource. While the above-average rainfall has pushed the state out of drought, it has not translated into above-average snowfall.
“When it warms up, that snow melts and fills our rivers and reservoirs and canals to deliver water to our farmers and cities throughout the state,” Claes noted.
### Snowpack Below Average
Last week, the year’s first snow survey revealed snowpack at just 71 percent of the state’s average. This number could fall further as the weeks ahead are likely to remain dry.
“In what’s one of our wettest months out of the year, we’re going to take a couple of weeks off from precipitation,” Dr. Anderson said. “So you see a little bit of sliding backwards again.”
### Water Conservation Remains Crucial
Even as California breaks through the drought on paper, concerns about water availability remain at the tap.
“I would say, as a California way of life, we need to be very conscious of how much water we use and how we use it,” Claes urged.
California’s recent milestone is a hopeful sign, but maintaining sustainable water use will be critical to ensuring the state’s long-term water security.
https://abc30.com/post/california-now-drought-free-following-powerful-storms-experts-urge-caution/18379756/