NOAA: California Just Saw Its Hottest Summer on Record

“California saw its hottest meteorological summer (June through August 2016) on record. Mean temperature was 77.5°F; +3.3°F above the 20th century average.” – NOAA on September 9th, 2016

California just experienced its hottest summer in 122 years of record keeping.  

The contiguous USA just experienced its 5th hottest summer on record.

“The contiguous United States experienced its 5th warmest summer in 2016. The Lower 48 also had its 3rd warmest year-to-date (January–August) and a warmer than average August and 2nd wettest August on record. Learn more about these and other climate conditions in the August 2016 U.S. State of the Climate Report.” – NOAA

60% of California currently remains under severe to exceptional drought.

California’s largest reservoir’s water level is currently above historical average.

Last winter’s El Nino, one of the strongest on record delivered near average precipitation in northern California and southern California remained parched.

This winter there is a 55-60% chance that we’ll have neither El Nino nor La Nina this winter, which could be a good thing for California. 

“Forty-five states observed much above average temperatures for the first eight months of 2016, contributing to the third warmest year-to-date on record. Only 2006 and 2012 were warmer. See how your state’s year-to-date (January–August) ranked.”  – NOAA