A third of California experiencing ‘exceptional drought’

Drought and watering restrictions lead to dead lawns near Sacramento. (Credit: Kevin Cortopassi, via Flickr)

As of mid June, a third of California was classed as being in “exceptional drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The percentage marks an increase in that category of drought affecting the state.

Exceptional drought is the most dire classification the drought monitor records. At the same time last year, none of California was experiencing such dry conditions, according to Yahoo! News.

As a result of the drought conditions, California farmers have seen drops in irrigation water allotments from state and federal agencies. Residents of the state have had to cut back as well, limiting shower times, car washes and sprinkler usage.

Image: Drought and watering restrictions lead to dead lawns near Sacramento. (Credit: Kevin Cortopassi, via Flickr)