For the first time in 25 years, California is completely free of drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.
As of December 30, 2025, the entire state is experiencing no drought, thanks to a series of winter storms that replenished water levels across California.
The recent storms have significantly boosted reservoir and surface water levels, with seven of the state’s 12 major reservoirs now at least 75% full. However, experts caution that this drought-free status may not last long. Jay Lund, a retired professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis, noted that California’s climate is highly variable, often swinging between extremely wet and extremely dry years. “It’s nice for now, but don’t get used to it,” Lund told CalMatters.
The drought-free designation reflects recent weather patterns rather than long-term changes, as deeper groundwater shortages persist. California has spent much of the past two decades under drought or near-drought conditions, with significant droughts occurring in 1976-77, 1987-92, 2007-09, and 2012-16. Despite these challenges, Lund emphasized that California is better prepared for water scarcity than many other regions.
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