East Bay Well Ahead Of Normal Rainfall Pace

With our typical rainy months still ahead, the East Bay has already received more than half the rain it does in a normal year.

The rainfall season is recorded from July 1 to June 30. January and February are usually the months we receive the most rain.

According to rain gauge data compiled by the California Data Exchange Center, Concord has received almost 11 inches of rain so far this year, including almost 8 inches this month. The city historically receives an average of 17 inches of rain during an entire year.

Martinez has received 13 inches so far this season, including more than 9 inches in December. The city normally gets 23 inches in a year.

The Rossmoor area of Walnut Creek has received almost 16 inches of rain this year, including 12 inches this month. It normally gets 23 inches in a year.

Orinda has received almost 18 inches of rain this year, including 13 inches in December. It normally gets 29 inches.

Other nearby towns show similar percentages.

Our reservoirs are also doing well. The latest East Bay Municipal Utility District report, dated Dec. 11, shows that district's reservoirs had received 108 percent of the normal rainfall. The reservoirs were 76 percent full. EBMUD has already released water in anticipation of future storms.

The forecast calls for more rain on Friday evening and Saturday. Clear skies are expected on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.