Counties with the worst droughts in California

Counties with the worst droughts in California

Nearly half of the continental United States is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Storms during this past winter brought heavy (in some areas, record-setting) rainfall and flooding to California, offering the state an expected two-year reprieve from widespread droughts that covered nearly 100% of the state from 2020 to 2022. But in other parts of the country, especially dry conditions continue. Wyoming and Delaware are currently the states with the most widespread drought, covering all of the states' areas.

In periods of drought, levels of major reservoirs and rivers can fall dramatically. Groundwater systems are also affected as shrinking water supplies impact agriculture and hydropower generation while increasing wildfire risk.

Periods of drought have intensified and become more frequent in recent years due to climate change. Scientists predict that even in low-emissions scenarios, much of the U.S. will be drier by the end of the century.

Stacker cited data from the U.S. Drought Monitor to identify the counties in California with the worst droughts as of October 24, 2024. Counties are listed in order of percent of the area in drought conditions. "Abnormally dry" is not considered to be a drought but is included as a separate data point. Additional data for the state overall is also included. Any counties not experiencing drought are not included in the list. Counties are listed in order of drought severity.

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California statistics

- Abnormally dry: 61.3%
- Area in drought: 14.1% (#38 nationally)
--- Moderate drought: 9.8%
--- Severe drought: 4.3%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Mono County

- Abnormally dry: 99.5%
- Area in drought: 0.5%
--- Moderate drought: 0.5%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

San Diego County

- Abnormally dry: 37.1%
- Area in drought: 1.1%
--- Moderate drought: 1.1%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Siskiyou County

- Abnormally dry: 91.7%
- Area in drought: 8.3%
--- Moderate drought: 8.3%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Inyo County

- Abnormally dry: 81.6%
- Area in drought: 10.0%
--- Moderate drought: 10.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Lassen County

- Abnormally dry: 81.9%
- Area in drought: 18.1%
--- Moderate drought: 18.1%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Modoc County

- Abnormally dry: 70.5%
- Area in drought: 29.4%
--- Moderate drought: 29.4%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

San Bernardino County

- Abnormally dry: 24.1%
- Area in drought: 49.6%
--- Moderate drought: 35.8%
--- Severe drought: 13.7%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Riverside County

- Abnormally dry: 20.8%
- Area in drought: 55.9%
--- Moderate drought: 27.5%
--- Severe drought: 28.4%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

Imperial County

- Abnormally dry: 1.4%
- Area in drought: 98.6%
--- Moderate drought: 55.0%
--- Severe drought: 43.6%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 42 states.

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