All this rain means a superbloom is likely, but so are the hordes
Following three consecutive atmospheric rivers, much of California’s drought-ridden landscape is now drenched. Although these storms resulted in flooded highways and downed trees, one silver lining is the possibility of a “superbloom” that may hit California’s arid interior this spring. Superblooms are a relatively rare occurrence, even in a state renowned for colorful wildflowers and diverse plant ecosystems. Following heavy winter rains, annual or short-lived perennial flowers will bloom briefly—and all at once—in the spring. The event, which last happened in 2019, creates cascades of native flowers in regions across California, turning rolling hills and valleys rainbow-colored.