SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/ KUSI) — While San Diego may be known for its sparkling beaches, some areas of the county are also susceptible to extreme heat and wildfires, which can pose a continued risk of drought throughout California.
*Video above describes the heat advisory issued through Friday for some regions of San Diego County.
With elevated heat advisories coming into effect in several regions of the county this week, including El Cajon, Escondido and Campo, the risk of drought in these areas also rises.
While the recent heat wave plays a factor in the potential risk of drought, the damage caused by wildfires also increases hazards.
The Gifford Fire, which began Aug. 1 just south of Central California, has spread throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, and is 9% contained as of Wednesday, covering 83,933 acres. The spread of wildfires not only depletes water resources used in combating the flames but also creates further fuel for wildfires as the moisture in the soil becomes depleted in those regions, creating dry conditions.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), “Since the start of the water year (October 2024), the area of California and Nevada in drought increased by 28% and intensified.”
Despite the weather conditions influencing the threat of drought in Southern California, major California water supply reservoirs are near or above their historical averages.
However, the NIDIS reports that drought conditions are forecast to persist over the next one to three months in the central and southern parts of California.
While water supply reservoirs are at average levels, San Diegians can still help avoid a potential drought by knowing how to conserve water properly.
Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross on how to help conserve water at home:
- Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers, and make sure your home is leak-free. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
- Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving
- Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version
- Don’t use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave
- When gardening, use mulch to retain moisture in the soil
While extreme heat and wildfires can be out of one’s control, it’s crucial to help conserve water to decrease the risk of a drought and help keep California safe.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
