Our area has been experiencing drought conditions since November 2024, but September 2026 brought 9.46″ of rain, which is 13% above the September average. Since the start of the 2026 rainy season in June, we recorded 29.89″ of rain, which is 77% of the average rainfall typically recorded by this time.
The recent rains have reduced our long-term rainfall deficit by one inch, reducing the cumulative 23-month deficit to 29.5″.
In August 2026, water levels bottomed out near historic levels, but September rainfall brought water levels just above the historic minimum for this time of year.
Our B-Gauge currently reflects standing water at 2.2 feet above the ground. As is typical for this time of year, shorter days, lower light levels, and cooler temperatures reduce plant growth. With less photosynthesis, they release less water vapor through their leaves, a process called transpiration. This means they are taking less water from the ground.
We are optimistic that the Super El Niño conditions predicted for this winter will help reduce our rainfall deficit and pull us out of the drought.
