LOS BANOS, CA (October 10, 2025) — Meteorologists have confirmed that La Niña conditions have returned in the Pacific Ocean, setting the stage for a potentially drier-than-average winter across much of California, including the Central Valley. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific have cooled enough to trigger the climate pattern, which tends to push the jet stream northward and reduce rainfall in the central and southern parts of the state.
Historically, La Niña winters have brought less precipitation to the San Joaquin Valley, while Northern California sometimes experiences wetter conditions. In a normal year, Los Banos receives about 9.5 inches of rain, but totals can swing dramatically depending on broader weather patterns. The wettest year on record, 1998, brought more than 21 inches of rain, while the driest, 2020, saw only 3.7 inches. This variability means that even a small shift in storm patterns can have major consequences for local water supplies and agriculture.
As of late summer, California’s overall precipitation stood at roughly 95 percent of normal for the current water year, according to the state Department of Water Resources. However, the San Joaquin River region, which includes Los Banos, had recorded only about 79 percent of its historical average rainfall, with some nearby reservoirs still below full capacity. While the state’s largest reservoirs remain near or above average, groundwater levels in several Central Valley basins, including areas surrounding Los Banos, are lagging, leaving water managers concerned about recharge heading into the dry season.
Experts caution that La Niña does not guarantee a dry winter, but it does increase the likelihood that major storm systems will track farther north, bypassing the Central Valley. When rain does arrive, it may come in short bursts from isolated atmospheric rivers, making each storm’s intensity critical to the region’s seasonal totals. The outcome could mean longer dry stretches punctuated by heavy downpours, testing the city’s storm-drain systems and water-storage infrastructure.
For Los Banos, the return of La Niña highlights the importance of water conservation and adaptive planning. City officials and water districts are already urging residents to prepare for a potentially dry winter by conserving water and staying informed about local hydrologic conditions.
While the long-range forecast remains uncertain, the pattern unfolding in the Pacific is a reminder of how global climate systems ripple down to local impact. Whether this winter brings another dry stretch or a few critical storms, Los Banos will once again find itself at the intersection of California’s unpredictable climate cycle.
