Central Coast rain totals add up to improving drought conditions

Drought conditions are improving across the Central Coast. This comes as rain continues to make its presence known in the forecast as 2018 comes to an end.

The National Weather Service predicts although the recent drought monitor has the area at a Moderate Drought, we could soon be in the “abnormally dry” category.

“We had an extremely dry summer and even start to the fall. We had a little bit of rain in early October but then went dry the rest of the month into November,” says Matt Mehle with the National Weather Service. “Then the storm door opened in December and the rainfall has just been great.”

Salinas and Monterey have seen tremendous improvements in particular.

In terms of its rainfall percentage totals, Salinas stood at 170% while Monterey was at 107%.

It’s a good sign for the Agriculture industry that’s so prominent on the Central Coast.

“If you’re outdriving around you’ll notice you’ll start seeing a little bit of green on the hills. I was out in Salinas the other day and noticed some green out on the mountain tops so that’s definitely a good sign,” Mehle says.

This year the Central Coast has seen drought categories ranging from Moderate to Severe and has bounced back and forth between the two.

You can keep up with the nation’s drought by clicking here