Global: Drought in the U.S.

Drought in the United States has been centralized over Louisiana and eastern Texas over the last
few months as well as seasonally over the large majority of western U.S. Although the
southwestern monsoon has affected rainfall in Western U.S. (CPC), this year the drought has
been even more significant with the addition of record high temperatures and dryness (EPA).
Natural climate variability such as these factors coupled with the growing effects of factors such
as greenhouse gases and global warming have led to droughts such as the one now affecting a
large part of the United States. Thankfully, El Nio is predicted to have a dramatic impact in the
upcoming winter, and the heavy rains will likely help to alleviate the drought. Currently in the
more drought stricken areas such as California, measures are being taken to conserve water.

Regional: Drought in California

Tensions have been high as precipitation has been very low in California, with the record drought
plaguing the region this year. As Climatologist Michael Anderson stated on the probability of El
Nio to alleviate drought, California cannot count on potential El Nio conditions to halt or
reverse drought conditions (CA.gov). Currently the drought in California is centered around
central areas of the state such as Fresno, Lassen, and Santa Barbara counties (U.S. Drought
Monitor). Drought awareness and water conservation measures have been on the rise in
California, but ultimately California will be relying on extra precipitation and increased
evaporation due to temperature and humidity this upcoming winter. Californians have been doing
their part as well by working to use less water on a day to day basis.

Local: Drought in L.A.

In Los Angeles, because of the historic drought status, mandatory water reductions have been
undertaken in California in order to conserve water usage. One regulation adopted on May 5,
2015 is requiring a 25% reduction in overall potable urban water use statewide (L.A. County
Waterworks). Los Angeles lies right at the edge of the most drought-afflicted regions. Due to the
concentration of population in the Los Angeles area, the drought is particularly concerning.
However, Los Angeles has been campaigning heavily to reduce water usage throughout the
county and the state. Currently, Los Angeles has been focusing on raising public awareness of
the drought conditions through advertisements and public service announcements as well as
through measures such as the 90 million shade balls released into reservoirs order to reduce
evaporation (Inhabitat).

Works Cited
"Climate Change Indicators in the United States." Weather and Climate. United States Environmental
Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
<http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/weather-climate/index.html>.
"Climate Prediction Center: Seasonal Drought Outlook." Climate Prediction Center: Seasonal Drought
Outlook. National Weather Service, 17 Sept. 2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
<http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/sdo_summary.php>.
"ENSO and Drought Forecasting." ENSO and Drought Forecasting. The National Drought Mitigation
Center, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
<http://drought.unl.edu/DroughtBasics/ENSOandForecasting.aspx>.
Medlock, Katie. "Los Angeles Unleashes Millions of Plastic Balls into Reservoirs to Fight
Drought." Inhabitat Sustainable Design. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. <http://inhabitat.com/losangeles-unleashes-millions-of-plastic-balls-into-reservoirs-to-fight-drought/>.
"U.S. Drought Monitor." United States Drought Monitor. National Drought Mitigation Center, 8 Oct.
2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. <http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?
CA>.
"Water Conservation During the Drought Emergency." Los Angeles County Waterworks District. Los
Angeles County, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
<https://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/Conservation/Drought.aspx>.