The need for rainfall grows as California experiences its third driest year dating back to 1895. Author: Tracy Humphrey (ABC10) Updated: 10:04 PM PST January 9, 2021 SACRAMENTO, Calif — The calendar year 2020 was California's third driest, with records going back to 1895. Just take a look at the following graphic, Statewide Precipitation Ranks, ranks 2020 along with all other years dating back to 1895. It shows California receiving its 3rd driest year on record. The graphic also characterizes the state's yearly precipitation for 2020 as "Much Below Average." The Drought Monitor Index shows the drastic difference between the first week of January 2020 vs. January 2021. People might remember it was a lot wetter at this time last year. 2019 was a year with plenty of rainfall and it set the state up for a wonderful start to 2020.