The seemingly certain prospect of a major El Niño weather pattern in California this winter has increased the likelihood that the historic four-year drought afflicting the state will be broken, but water supply reductions will most likely remain due to historically low reservoir conditions. Surface water supply allocations are currently at 10 percent or less. The El Niño pattern, which could last into the middle of 2016, generally reduces rainfall across parts of southeast and southern Asia, and brings precipitation to the western U.S. and parts of South America.
More water is of course great news for California agriculture, yet Michael Anderson, state climatologist with the Department of Water Resources, warns that “California cannot count on potential El Niño conditions to halt or reverse drought conditions.” This message is echoed by the Governor’s Interagency Drought Task Force, which includes CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
If this El Niño does bring the widely predicted “atmospheric river” of rain, it could bring California reservoirs back to near-normal levels, especially if there’s a big snow pack for spring runoff. But California's water deficit is so deep after the years of drought a "steady parade of storms" like these will be needed for years to come, said Mike Anderson, climatologist for the state's Department of Water Resources.
According to the Packer rain fall in Yuma, Ariz., is a cause for concern among buyers already up against strong markets for cauliflower, broccoli and celery. But a warming trend in the area is also good news, in that it could speed crop growth.
The new year brings hope for significant relief for the parched Golden State, particularly for those whose livelihoods are inextricably tied to the whims of Mother Nature.
Source: cbsnews.com/ cdrf.org/ csmonitor.com
