El Nino continues to build. However there are two caveats for California. El Nino is projected to mostly hit southern California. However, crucial reservoirs and mountains where it snows are in the northern part of the state. Also, temperatures are predicted to be higher than normal, which will impact the amount of snow remaining. To get real relief from the drought, California needs substantial precipitation in the Sierras this coming winter. El Nino rains aren’t predicted to start until December or so. Fire hazard remains extremely high, especially in areas already devastated by fire.
Things look promising for the all-important Colorado River, which supplies water to seven states and Mexico. Lake Mead and Lake Powell water levels have already started rising again. Whew.