Rainfall has been below average for 14 of the last 21 years in downtown Los Angeles
even as Northern California lagged. Then January and February — two of the state’s wettest months — turned bone dry. And February looks unlikely to overcome its arid habits before the month ends, even though the calendar has given it an extra day this year in which to try.
During the 21 years ending with the 2019 season, 14 years have been below average and only seven have been above, according to Patzert, who until recently was with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In fact, three of the driest years since 1878 occurred during this period: 2002, 2007 and 2018. The period from 2012 to 2016 accounted for the five driest consecutive years on record, when the average rainfall each year was only 7.74 inches, or 50% of normal.
The effects of persistent drought last a long time. For example, Lake Mead, a key reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, supplies water to millions of people in Arizona, California and Nevada, including Los Angeles. In 1999, its level was 1,212 feet above sea level. Now it’s at 1,094 feet — 118 feet lower — which represents a 50% drop in the volume of the lake. It will take decades for the reservoir to recover, Patzert warns.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New data show nearly 10% of California is in moderate droughtThe latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows almost half of California is either abnormally dry or in moderate drought.
Read more »
Bad Bunny, Sech Drop LGBTQ Inclusive Video for 'Ignorantes'In their first-ever collaboration, Bad Bunny and Sech plead with their exes to take them back. Listen to “Ignorantes' now
Read more »
Channing Tatum and Jessie J Celebrate Valentine's Day After Getting Back TogetherChanning Tatum and Jessie J celebrated Valentine's Day one month after confirming they were back together
Read more »
People On Twitter Are Sharing The Stupidest Things They\u2019ve Said To Celebrities🎵 Your face is like a melody, it won't leave my head 🎵
Read more »
Why You Might Need a Second KitchenDoes any home really need two kitchens? Absolutely, say fans of sculleries—increasingly popular annexes where the dirty work gets done
Read more »
Banda MS Dedicates Record-Breaking L.A. Show to Kobe Bryant & More HighlightsBanda MS made history as the first banda from Mazatlan, Mexico, to perform back-to-back sold-out shows at Staples Center.
Read more »