Publication Date March 3, 2016 | ABC News

El Nino Leaves Much of Drought-Stricken California in Dust

United States
In this Feb. 15, 2016, file photo swimmers and sunbathers gather at Redondo Beach, Calif. El Nino has so far left much of drought-stricken California in the dust, delivering a few quick storms but not yet bringing the legendary rain previously linked to the periodic ocean-warming phenomenon. Image: John Antczak, AP Photo
In this Feb. 15, 2016, file photo swimmers and sunbathers gather at Redondo Beach, Calif. El Nino has so far left much of drought-stricken California in the dust, delivering a few quick storms but not yet bringing the legendary rain previously linked to the periodic ocean-warming phenomenon. Image: John Antczak, AP Photo

Winter, especially in the southern half of the state, has been dry with summerlike heat suitable for a day at the beach or patio dining. The National Weather Service says last month was the warmest February in San Diego since record-keeping began in 1875, In Los Angeles it was the second-warmest on the book