Thursday's report shows that Los Angeles and San Diego are now in severe drought for the first time since November and December of 2022.
The Santa Ana winds fueling the fires during early January are likely to exacerbate the worsening drought conditions.
Northern California is in better shape with most of the Bay Area doing fine. Parts of the Inland East Bay are in 'abnormally dry' conditions, but that is not considered Drought on the Drought Monitor.
In terms of rainfall, it is the tale of North and South.
Redding has seen just over 20 inches of rain since October 1st, San Francisco has seen over 10 inches, and Los Angeles has seen only 0.02 inches.
Southern California has not seen rain in eight months while Northern California has seen substantial rain this winter.