Drought expands in parts of California

The extent of drought in Northern California has expanded, according to the April 22 report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. The dry conditions reached into parts of southern Oregon, where precipitation deficits and low streamflows are significant.

In the San Francisco Bay area, the harshest levels of drought extended across Monterey County. San Diego was likewise affected, with water reservoirs hitting more extreme lows.

Looking ahead, officials expect warmer temperatures to persist to the west of the Rockies. Parts of Alaska, the Great Plains and Midwest are predicted to be drier than normal as well.