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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two arrested in connection with theft of Brammo racing bike ... Rollover crash kills Prospect man ... Room for improvement ... Two arrested in connection with theft of Brammo racing bike ... Rollover crash kills Prospect man ... Room for improvement ... WATER WOES Drought continuing in California, Southwest Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 15, 2015 at 6:12 PM By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 15, 2015 at 6:12 PM » Social News SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal agencies released a pair of forecasts Thursday showing dry conditions will persist in parts of the drought-stricken West, suggesting there won't be enough snow to boost water supplies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Water and Climate Center says the year has started off unusually dry in the Southwest. Separately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center forecasts drought conditions to improve closer to the Mexican border but not in northern California and Nevada. Here's a look at the forecasts: CALIFORNIA Drought conditions are expected to improve across typically arid Southern California with forecasts of above-normal rainfall. But dry conditions in the vast majority of the state will likely remain — even intensify — through the end of April, according to the Climate Prediction Center. Despite December storms, rain has nearly halted in January, which is usually the wettest month of the year. Warmer weather has also held down the snowpack needed to feed streams and rivers. NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA New Mexico and Arizona also started the year with unusually dry conditions. The Climate Prediction Center analysis shows drought conditions improving, or outright ending, in its outlook through April. PACIFIC NORTHWEST The region is starting the year off with drier conditions despite above-average precipitation. A warm winter has reduced snowpack in the mountains to levels far below normal, according to the USDA. EL NINO Both forecasts call for weak El Nino conditions, a tropical weather pattern over the Pacific Ocean that brings rain. Unless the pattern strengthens in the coming months, it is expected to bring little relief to the West. El Nino rainfall would have a greater impact on Southwestern states instead of the Pacific Northwest.     By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 15, 2015 at 6:12 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501