'Ridiculously Resilient Ridge' Blamed For Dry California Winter

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It's the same story California residents have heard this winter—it could be a month or more before any significant rain or snow falls.

It's been 30 days since significant rain has fallen in Sacramento, and thanks to what meteorologists are calling a Ridiculously Resilient Ridge of high pressure, or Triple-R for short.

The uniquely stubborn weather pattern is to blame for keeping rain at bay.

"In the context of the rest of the year being dry, it is unprecedented," said National Weather Service meteorologist Darren Van Cleave.

He says the blocking ridge is pushing wet weather away from California and off to the north and east. It's been in place for about a month and a half, and we won't have any significant rain to speak of until the ridge finally breaks up.

"Unfortunately, the forecast models don't show it changing anytime soon," he said.

As a result, residents will likely have to start cutting back. In the San Juan Water District, a stage 5 water emergency has been enacted urging a 50 percent cutback on indoor water use with the possibility of fines in March.

The Sacramento City Council will consider an ordinance asking for a 20 percent cut in water usage. Roseville has asked residents to voluntarily cut 20 percent of their usage.