The heatwave California has been experiencing since early March has had lasting consequences, including future water availability, even though it is not in a drought.<\/p>\n
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, records the amount of water and snowfall nationwide, as well as the temperature records.<\/p>\n
The national agency reported that most of the western United States, including California, recorded its hottest winter, with all other areas experiencing above-normal temperatures from January through February.<\/p>\n
The storms in early winter brought rain and snow to California, but not enough to counter what the heatwave is causing in the state, a snow drought.<\/p>\n
What is a snow drought?<\/p>\n
A snow drought occurs when there is less snowpack than normal, according to NOAA. California is currently undergoing a “warm snow drought,” or a snow drought that is caused by higher temperatures.<\/p>\n
The state has already lost 20% of its peak statewide, with the warm temperatures hitting the Sierra Nevada mountains even overnight, the agency said.<\/p>\n
The state typically sees its peak snowfall around April 1, but the gradual melting of snow amid record-breaking temperatures may result in its second-lowest peak snowfall in that time frame, according to the California Department of Water Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n The latest DWR runoff forecast<\/a>, as of March 1, shows that snowmelt is well underway \u2014 more akin to what used to happen in May. Already 20 percent of the peak statewide snowpack is gone, and temperatures are stubbornly, unseasonably warm \u2014 even overnight in the Sierra Nevada mountains.<\/p>\n The early loss of snowpack means that later in the summer, with limited cool water from melting snow, rivers could run lower than usual.<\/p>\n Mountain snowpacks in areas such as the Sierra Nevadas account for about one-third of California’s water use, NOAA officials said.<\/p>\n The below-average late-year snow could affect how the state deals with fire season, especially as the March heatwave continues to dry out the state.<\/p>\n Why a snow drought matters for Californians<\/p>\n A snow drought can affect daily life in several ways:<\/p>\n Water supply: Early melt means water flows into rivers too soon, leaving less stored for peak summer demand. This can increase pressure on reservoirs and water agencies later in the year.<\/p>\n Wildfire risk: Dry landscapes earlier in the season can help fires spread <\/a>faster and longer, especially if hot, dry conditions persist.<\/p>\n Agriculture: Farmers rely on predictable snowmelt to plan irrigation. Snow droughts complicate water allocations and timing.<\/p>\n What to watch next<\/p>\n Water managers say April 1 snowpack levels <\/a>are a key benchmark. If warm, dry weather continues, snow drought impacts could intensify heading into summer \u2014 even without a return to traditional drought conditions.<\/p>\n Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com<\/a>, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo<\/a> on Instagram and X.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Snow drought explained: What California\u2019s warm winter means<\/a><\/p>\n