Drought in Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

For the month of December, the U.S. Drought Monitor greatly improved the drought conditions in Zone 19. The entire zone was taken out of exceptional drought (D4) and the majority was improved to extreme drought (D3) with the far southwestern and far northwestern portion of the zone improved to severe drought (D2). The zone continued to see some of the same impacts already affecting the region, however, there are signs of improvement especially with active weather in the month of December. Drought conditions may continue to improve as we continue into the rainy season that started October 1st.

Several large storms so far this water season 2021-2022, brought widespread rainfall and snow to the region easing the drought conditions for much of California. However, given the large precipitation deficits the region has faced with the ongoing drought, interior northern California is still experiencing widespread severe to exceptional drought as of the end of December. Many restrictions continue throughout the region as well as the state-wide drought declaration by governor Gavin Newsom.