California's Drought Conditions Significantly Improve with Winter Storms.

44% of California is now free of any drought classification, up from 27% a week ago, thanks to a series of rain and snowstorms since December. 36% of the state is still experiencing moderate drought, while 8% is in severe drought. The wet winter has led to snowpack levels well above seasonal averages in the Sierra Nevada, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has lifted emergency water restrictions for nearly 7 million people. Another atmospheric river is expected to hit the state next week.