Drought Information

Humboldt County is traditionally one of the wettest counties in the state. Many communities in our region are still vulnerable to significant drought impacts. This page is intended to providing information about the drought and resources available to the public.

Drought Facts

On January 17, 2014 California State Governor, Jerry Brown, declared a drought state of emergency. On April 17, 2017, Brown issued Executive Order B-40-17, officially ending the drought state of emergency in all California counties except Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Tuolumne.

As of May 23, 2017, the National Drought Mitigation Center estimates approximately 10.3 million people in California are currently affected by the drought.

California's response to its ongoing drought has been guided by a series of executive orders issued by Governor Brown, the most recent officially ending the drought in most of California, but stressing the importance of emergency drinking water projects that will help address diminished groundwater supplies.

The time period of January 2016 - December 2016 has been the 3rd warmest on record for California. California saw 2014 as the warmest year on record.

The latest National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center seasonal drought outlook, valid for May 18 - August 31, 2017, shows drought in areas of southern and Central Coastal California likely to persist throughout those dates. The 1-month precipitation outlook for June 2017, issued May, 2017, suggests above average precipitation for all California.

Drought Facts Courtesy of USGS California Water Science Center, USGS California Drought