As sweltering drought conditions continue to worsen throughout California, Ventura and other Southern California counties have shifted from “extreme” to “exceptional” drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor Report. Along with Ventura County, northwest Los Angeles County, most of Kern County and the eastern portion of San Bernardino County are also in the federal report’s highest range, signifying “exceptional drought.” Almost all of California is facing detrimental drought conditions, with 50 of the state’s 58 counties under a state of emergency amid excessive drought conditions. In Ventura County, Calleguas Municipal Water District officials have declared a water shortage, continuing their call to residents to conserve water. A map of California, showcasing the areas affected by drought conditions as of Aug. 17. “We encourage Southern California to step up again, just as we have in the past, to do our part to reduce our region’s water use.”

Source: Los Angeles Times August 23, 2021 18:45 UTC