California drought: These parts of state still 'abnormally dry' despite rains

What we know:

OAKLAND, Calif. - The recent heavy rains across California have not ended concerns about a possible water shortage. 

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, released last week, shows a large part of California, including the Bay Area, is under "abnormally dry" conditions at the beginning of 2025. The most impacted counties are Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties.

In fact, 59% of the state is impacted by drought conditions. 

There are even a few areas noted in orange that are experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, which are in the southeastern part of the state. 

By the numbers:

Nearly 19 million Californians live in drought-affected areas, even as California's reservoirs maintain above-average levels, Newsweek reported. 

Lake Shasta, the state's largest reservoir, is at 130% of its historical average and Lake Oroville is at 128%. All other major reservoirs in the state are close to or above their historical averages, too, according to data from the California Department of Water Resources.

Big picture view:

Research published in October by experts at the University of California Merced showed that California takes about three months longer to recover from drought due to a warming planet.