Will a train of atmospheric rivers finally end California’s drought?
Wave after wave of torrential rains washing over California could put a dent in the state’s lengthy drought, but all the heavy rain can be too much of a good thing.
Drought has gripped more than half of California for the past 900 days.
At least 50 percent of the state slipped into moderate drought or worse at the end of July 2020, and conditions have only grown more dire over the past two and a half years.
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Historic fires seem to be the norm across the Golden State these days. Out of the 20 largest wildfires ever recorded in California, nine of them have happened since the summer of 2020, including four of the top-five biggest blazes in the state’s history.
The recent train of atmospheric rivers washing over California stands in stark contrast to the years of unusual dryness that’s pushed the state’s resources to its limits. But the flooding rains aren’t as helpful as they may appear.
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Heavy rain falling on drought-stricken land can be a case of “too much of a good thing.”
Parched soil is more resistant to absorbing water than healthy soil, so heavy rain runs off into local waterways rather than soaking into the ground where it can provide its greatest benefit.
Watch the video above to examine how far the atmospheric rivers affecting California will go toward alleviating the state’s long-lasting drought.
Thumbnail image courtesy of NOAA.
