at 10:10 AM by Mallory Schnell

Rain Falling in Drought-Stricken California

Pacific storms could bring up to seven inches of rain to the drought-stricken state of California this week. As of last week, 100% of the state was considered to be in at least a moderate drought, with 55% in an “exceptional drought” (Capital Weather Gang). The first system in the storm series brought heavy rain to northern California this morning and is expected to bring downpours to the southern part of the state later on in the day. This current system will stick around until Thursday. A second storm system will move through later on this week, bringing precipitation totals up to seven inches in the northern part of the state.

While this precipitation will be beneficial to California, it will only make a small dent in ending the drought. According to the National Climatic Data Center, central California would need to receive up to 12 inches of rain in a month to end the current drought. In addition to the welcomed rain, however, comes the threat of mudslides in areas of California that have been affected by wildfires. Residents of the foothill cities of southern California have taken precautions to protect themselves and their properties.