For years, historically dry conditions have pushed the West to uncharted territory, triggering never-before-seen water shortages. “We still have several months to get through in the water season, and these aren’t static numbers.”California’s winter storms significantly improved the state’s surface drought conditions. The rain California has already seen “could promote the growth of [plant] fuels” that would increase the likelihood that areas which have burned in years past could burn again. The winter storms sparked some hope for drought-stricken California, but experts forecast another dry spell ahead as temperatures warm. And dry conditions, in concert with low humidity and extreme heat, are a recipe for a destructive wildfire season.

Source: CNN January 26, 2023 21:28 UTC