Gov. Newsom Declares Drought Emergency in Mendocino, Sonoma Counties

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday an initiative to support vulnerable communities and ecosystems during yet another drought season in California.

In addition, the governor declared drought emergency in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. The decision comes as California is expected to face another devastating wildfire season after a winter with little precipitation.

"I'm standing 40 ft under water, or I should be standing 40 ft under water.." Gov. Newsom said from Lake Mendocino, which is only at 43% of capacity.

Here in Lake Mendocino, we should be 40 ft. underwater but it’s dry. This is climate change.

Today, we declared a drought conditions state of emergency in Mendocino & Sonoma counties & announced actions to immediately increase drought resilience & prepare for drought conditions. pic.twitter.com/PzJLgK1RTj

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) April 21, 2021

"This is a historic moment," he said. "The hots are getting hotter, the dries are getting dryer," he mentioned as he explained the state is facing urgency as extreme conditions continue.

The drought emergency declaration will allow to build action accordingly to prevent further damage. The governor said his strategy will be mindful of local communities and local economies.

Gov. Newsom did not provide a specific answer when asked if he predicted the whole state to be under drought emergency.

As California approaches another fire season, the state is in such an urgent race that officials began soliciting local project ideas even before they had money to pay for them. It faces such a threat of drought that the governor said he has executive orders drafted and ready to sign as needed.

CA is taking bold, early action to protect our high-risk communities ahead of peak wildfire season.

Today we signed a $536M wildfire package that will go towards fire resilience efforts including fuel breaks, forest health projects, and home hardening across the state. pic.twitter.com/rCINM2VRpT

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) April 13, 2021

This is not the first time California faces severe drought. In fact, this comes just a few years after a punishing 5-year dry spell that dried up rural wells, killed endangered salmon, idled farm fields and helped fuel the most deadly and destructive wildfires in modern state history.

According to forecasters, the entire West is facing a "megadrought" that started in 1999 and has affected local economies and ecosystems across the state.

The most recent data provided by the United States Drought Monitor shows that approximately more than half of California is experiencing severe drought.

Here's a look at the state's drought map and more information on California's most significant droughts over the years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.