"LOS ANGELES — A swath of California closed out 2013 as the driest year on record, marked by above-normal temperatures and thirsty reservoirs."

"While a drought has not been declared, some communities urged residents to conserve water.

Dozens of cities saw historically parched conditions this year, setting new marks in record-keeping that in some cases dates back more than a century."

Alicia Chang reports for the Associated Press January December 31, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"California Is Dangerously Short on Snow" (Grist) [3]