US | National Weather Service Rains Hit California, but Drought Fears Remain Weekend brings annual rainfall level closer to normal By Nick McMaster Posted Feb 23, 2009 1:21 PM CST Copied Cattle are shown on Joe Gonzales' ranch in Gilroy, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) California saw steady rain this weekend, but it’s still too early to know if the state’s water woes are over, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The recent rains brought the state’s total rainfall up to 90% of normal levels for the year; 2 weeks ago only 60% of normal levels had fallen. But officials caution that years of below-normal rainfall mean the state could face drought even after a solid year. "It's like having your checkbook overdrawn," said a National Weather Service forecaster. "This year you may add a normal (or above normal) amount of funds, but you might still be short." Read These Next Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Actor Sam Rockwell gets residuals from movie he wasn't in. This is why your cat loves sleeping on its left side. Report an error