Drought in Carquinez Strait and Delta, California

For the month of January, the U.S. Drought Monitor removed the eastern portion of Zone 18 from extreme drought (D3) and placed it into the severe drought (D2) category due to significant improvements from heavy precipitation. They also removed the far western portions of Zone 18 from severe drought (D2) and placed it into the moderate drought (D1).

Interior Northern California saw extensive heavy rainfall and mountain snow through January which along with above-average precipitation in December brought significant improvement in drought conditions. For the month of January, areas that were in drought severity level D3 (Extreme Drought) were dropped to D2 (Severe Drought). Areas that were in drought severity level D2 (Severe Drought) were dropped to D1 (Moderate Drought). All of interior Northern California remained in at least moderate drought through the month. Many local and regional, as well as state-wide restrictions continue. Agricultural surface water deliveries projected for 2023 have been increased, though, with the California Department of Water Resources increasing projected deliveries to 30 percent of requested water supplies, 1.27 million acre-feet, up from the initial 5 percent announced on December 1, 2022. The state-wide drought declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom continues. Mandatory water restrictions are in place on outdoor water use for all Californians with possible fines for violators. Agriculture and most of the state's energy development are water-intensive industries and have had less water for those purposes.