California storm lineup to see wetter start to February [Video]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A newly released drought and climate update from the National Integrated Drought Information System indicates growing concern over a dry January in California.

The water year, which runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year, started with a long duration Atmospheric River (AR) in Northern California. This was followed by multiple weaker Atmospheric Rivers in December.

The presence of Atmospheric Rivers can be the difference between a dry or wet water year in California. These storms are huge plumes of moisture and can lead to both beneficial or damaging heavy precipitation. The state relies on these ARs to bring much needed precipitation during the late fall through the early spring. The absence of these storms can result in growing drought concerns.

The 2024-25 …