Key Points

• The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that California remains entrenched in moderate-to-exceptional drought as the fifth into sixth consecutive dry months since October, likely ensuring that the region will suffer back-to-back dry water years.

• In California, 91 percent of the state is in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

• Precipitation totals and snowpack remain well below normal. Since the North Pacific storm season is at its end, the amount of additional precipitation that can be expected is too small to reverse drought conditions, especially in the most intense drought regions.

• Drought impacts (e.g., pasture conditions, ecosystem health, water supply, fire potential) will likely intensify and expand given back-to-back dry years. Drought preparedness is key.