This picture was taken 7 January, 2014. Notice that the hills are still brown. They should be green, but few winter rains have fallen to revive the grasses.
2013 is the driest year on record for California. Today's newspaper states that, based on tree ring data, this may be one of the driest times since 1580!
A large high pressure system sits over northern California, sending storms northward. The combination of dry land, warm temperatures, and low humidity raises danger of wildfire. Fires did break out in January. This is an unusual event.
Warm temperatures are prompting trees to flower. Trees that usually bloom in March or April are in full bloom. As a result, many people (like me) are suffering from hay fever and allergies. It is interesting to see the connections between weather and health.
Last week the California governor declared an official drought. Mandatory water rationing is expected. Farmers already are trying to drill wells to tap ground water, since some streams and reservoirs are drying out.
