Monday Top of the Scroll: Western U.S. may be entering its most severe drought in modern history
[S]ome scientists [are] saying the region is on the precipice of permanent drought. That’s because in 2000, the Western U.S. entered the beginning of what scientists call a megadrought — the second worst in 1,200 years — triggered by a combination of a natural dry cycle and human-caused climate change. In the past 20 years, the two worst stretches of drought came in 2003 and 2013 — but what is happening right now appears to be the beginning stages of something even more severe. And as we head into the summer dry season, the stage is set for an escalation of extreme dry conditions, with widespread water restrictions expected and yet another dangerous fire season ahead.
Related articles:
- Ukiah Daily Journal: Lack of rain leaving ‘Lake Mendocino like we’ve never seen it before,’ water official warns
- County of Sonoma: Historically dry conditions and increased demands prompt inflation of Russian River inflatable dam
- Digital Journal: Drought conditions worsen in western U.S. as climate warms
- KSBW8: A dry year leads water managers to think about conservation measures
- KSBY: Lawmakers send a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom asking for state of emergency
- KQED: ‘Gold Standard’ Data Shows Much Longer Droughts in West
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Opinion – Californians, get ready for drought water restrictions
- California Farm Water Coalition: What can the 2015 drought tell us about the impacts of a drought in 2021?
- Bloomberg Green: La Nina Is Fading But California, Gulf Coast Still Face Risks
- Fresno Irrigation District: FID’s Drought-Shortened Water Deliveries Will Begin June 1