California woes

February heat wave in California

The drought in California continues and now includes a rare winter heat wave. It was in the 80Fs this weekend in LA during the Super Bowl. The second week of February offered a preview of summer for southern Californians as unusually early heat set records from San Diego to San Francisco. Temperatures 15-20F above normal were seen in southern California from Wednesday through Sunday. Hot and dry conditions mean greater fire hazard. People are saying there is no more fire season as the fire hazard continues all year round these days. They are now praying for rain and no frost. 

California saw major storms in December that pushed parts of the state out of the most severe categories of drought. The storms brought record rainfall and snow – some areas received more than 122in of snow over seven days and reached 159% of normal for the time period. 

Meanwhile, in Northern California, vintners reported the smallest harvest in 10 years. As in other places, they report the quality of the grapes is outstanding even if there is so much less available.