California Prepares for Extreme Weather as New Water Year Begins

On October 3, 2025, California water officials are sounding the alarm about the state's need to brace for extreme weather events, even as the new water year begins with reservoir levels near or above average.

The state's largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, is currently at 109% of its average capacity, a promising start to the new water year. However, officials caution that the ongoing threat posed by climate extremes cannot be ignored. California faces the dual challenges of preparing for both drought and floods, as climate change increases the frequency and severity of weather swings.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 71% chance of a La Niña event developing this fall, which could bring dryness to the state but also the risk of intense, potentially hazardous storms and flooding. In response, state agencies have undertaken extensive missions to protect communities and water resources from the impacts of wildfires and floods.

As the new water year progresses, California's flood operations teams will continue to coordinate with local agencies and emergency responders to ensure preparedness. The state has positioned over 4.3 million sandbags and nearly 200 containers of flood-mitigation equipment statewide, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the face of these climate-driven challenges.