Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
March Rainfall Wasn't A Miracle, But It Helped
Rain falls on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, Jan. 14, 2019. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
()
At the start of March, things were looking bleak for California's rain and snow totals after a pathetic January and one of the driest Februaries on record.
By the end of the month, global pandemic aside, there was reason to celebrate. Because while we didn't have a "Miracle March," it was still pretty good.
Precipitation totals in downtown Los Angeles were at 62% of normal at the start of March but increased to 94% of normal after nearly double the average rainfall fell throughout the month. Similar rainfall totals were seen across the southwestern part of the state.
California’s snowpack –- an important measurement of water availability for plants, trees and humans for the rest of the year -– is at 63% of normal as of April 7, much better than 43% at the start of March.
Support for LAist comes from
The Upper Colorado River Basin –- where a substantial amount of our water comes from -– is hovering around normal.
Reservoirs are at about their historical averages.
However, as of last week, parts of California are still experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That might change after the latest report is released this Thursday.
Rain and snow is expected to continue across swaths of California through the end of the week.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility. -
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’
Best of LAist