California Is Officially Drought-Free for the First Time in 25 Years

For the first time in a quarter century, California is entirely free of drought and “abnormally dry” conditions, according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The milestone follows a stretch of persistent winter storms that delivered widespread rain and mountain snow, reversing long-running dryness across the state. Climatologists say the steady moisture was enough to push every region of California out of drought categories—making it the only state in the country currently without dry conditions on the national map.

Experts note that drought assessments are based on multiple factors, including precipitation totals, soil moisture, temperature trends, and local impact reports. California last reached this benchmark in December 2000, before entering decades marked by extreme swings between severe drought and intense wet years.

The current water year, which began Oct. 1, has gotten off to a strong start thanks to recurring storms that kept conditions above average through much of the fall and early winter. Those storms have dramatically boosted reservoir storage, with major reservoirs now sitting at about 130% of average for this time of year.

Snowpack has also improved, though it still trails normal statewide at just under 90% of average. Some areas of far northeastern California remain in a snow drought, despite the broader statewide gains.

Officials caution that the shift doesn’t eliminate risk. Recent storms triggered flooding, road closures, and debris flows in parts of the state, highlighting how intense rainfall can create hazards even as it replenishes water supplies.

Forecasters expect a drier pattern in the coming week, but for now, California enters the heart of winter in a rare—and welcome—position.