The Weather and You: Dry Weather Ahead

Snowpack and water supplies for Northern California are in pretty good shape for early January; however, in a weak La Niña pattern, it's not unusual to have long periods of dry weather during winter. 

We went through such a dry spell from November 26 through December 11.  We are in another dry period that could extend to mid-month or longer.  Most of the Bay Area has received above-normal precipitation so far in the winter, but there is a huge deficit as you travel southbound along Highway 101.

Downtown Los Angeles received a grand total of .09 inches of rain since October 1. The average annual rainfall for Downtown Los Angeles is 14.65 inches. Southern California is experiencing strong offshore Santa Ana winds, exacerbating the extreme winter drought conditions. The dividing line between above-average and below-average is the South Bay, where the San Jose Airport rainfall is 65 percent of normal. The Evergreen neighborhood, east of Downtown San Jose, has received only 47 percent of its average rainfall since October 1.

Further down the Coast, Santa Maria received only 37 percent. There is an interesting anomaly here in the East Bay, with Hayward Airport rainfall at 125 percent of the average. However, Oakland Airport to the north received only 76 percent, which is the same for Livermore Airport. All the averages will fall during this dry period. How much will depend on how long it lasts. In the meantime, enjoy cold nights, mild days, and plenty of sunshine.