You are here
California
10,769,000 more in abnormally dry areas.
of the state’s population,
29% more in abnormally dry areas.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a map that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country. The data is updated each Tuesday and released on Thursday. This map shows the drought conditions on October 16, 2018.
Learn more about the US Drought Monitor
- Short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops
- Some lingering water deficits
- Pastures or crops not fully recovered
- Some damage to crops, pastures
- Some water shortages developing
- Voluntary water-use restrictions requested
- Crop or pasture loss likely
- Water shortages common
- Water restrictions imposed
- Major crop/pasture losses
- Widespread water shortages or restrictions
- Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses
- Shortages of water creating water emergencies
Drought in California
from 2000 - 2018
The U.S. Drought Monitor started in 2000. Since 2000, the longest duration of drought (D1-D4) in California lasted 350 weeks beginning on December 27, 2011 and ending on September 4, 2018. The most intense period of drought occurred the week of October 28, 2014 where D4 affected 58.41% of California land.
Download graphic as:Image JSON XML CSV
In partnership with the National Drought Mitigation Center, NIDIS and state partners are piloting an effort to collect impacts of the snow drought across the West from winter 2017-2018. Please use the link below. Information collected will be shared with the states affected to help us better understand the impacts of snow drought to the citizens and the economy of the region.
