California: Drier Than a Clown's Pants After a Water Gun Fight
Let's face it, California and drought are like peanut butter and jelly – a seemingly perfect pair that shows up way too often. But unlike that delicious lunchtime combo, nobody's craving this particular drought du jour.
So, how long has the Golden State been rocking this less-than-golden look? Buckle up, buttercup, because the answer depends on who you ask.
Technically Speaking: A History Lesson (with Sunshine, Not Rain)
California's a drought veteran. We've been tangoing with dry spells since practically forever. Geologists say prehistoric California partied like it was 1999 during some epic droughts. Recorded history's chock-full of notable dry spells too, like the bone-dry 1920s and 1930s, or the more recent multi-year marathons of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The Most Recent Chapter: The Not-So-Grand Finale (...Yet?)
The most recent drought, which some are calling the "Great Californian Parchedness of 2011-2017", was a doozy. Reservoirs shrank faster than a politician's morals in an election year. Californians became shower ninjas, mastering the art of the sub-minute cleanse. Thankfully, some wetter-than-average winters helped us escape that particular drought, but let's be honest, California and drought are like Ross and Rachel – we'll probably be back on a break again soon.
The Existential Crisis: Are We Doomed to Be Parched Forever?
Well, that's a bit dramatic. California's climate naturally swings between wet and dry. But climate change is throwing a wrench into the weather machine, making droughts more frequent and intense. The good news? Californians are a resourceful bunch. We're getting better at capturing rainwater, using drought-resistant plants (because nobody wants a thirsty lawn!), and letting those sprinklers take a permanent siesta.
So, the answer? California's droughtiness is a complex issue with a long history and an uncertain future. But hey, at least we have sunshine (most of the time). Maybe we should all invest in stock in bottled water companies... just sayin'.
