Community Corner
The Totals Are In: Berkeley's Rainfall Was 25 Percent of Normal in 2013
This year was the driest year on record with Walnut Creek breaking its previous record by more than 2 inches
If you're feeling a little parched as this year comes to a close, there's a reason.
On Tuesday, Berkeley -- and the rest of Northern California -- finished 2013 with the driest rainfall year on record.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported its rain gauges in Berkeley recorded 6.76 inches of precipitation for 2013.
That's 25 percent of normal for Berkeley.
It was also more than 3 inches below the previous record set in 1929.
NOAA officials said there were record dry years at all 27 of its Bay Area stations. The agency has been keeping records since 1917.
The lowest on the NOAA list was Gilroy, which received 2.56 inches of rain this year. That's 12 percent of normal and more than 8 inches below its previous record of 11.18 inches.
Oakland received 4.24 inches of rain, 18 percent of normal and well below the previous record of 10.02 inches.
The only two areas with more than 10 inches were Muir Woods and Occidental in the North Bay.
Muir Woods received 12.69 inches, 33 percent of normal. Occidental got 15.45 inches, 27 percent below its normal of 56 inches per year.
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