Extreme Drought Conditions in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

The National Weather Service says Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are now in “extreme” drought conditions.

This comes as the temperature hit 94 degrees in Santa Barbara this afternoon. NewsChannel 3 Meteorologist Alan Rose says it was the hottest day of the year.

“It’s dry we are in the dry season, you don’t see any water in the rivers,” said Mike Dials, a local hiker coming off the Jesusita Trail. He walks with a loose shirt, a wide brim hat, and good boots. On his waist, a bottle of water.

Eva Pagaling was nearby and said she rested on the trail, and found a spot where there was a place to refill her bottle. She also warned others on the trail, it was going to get hotter on the way up and to be prepared.

Most hikers said they go out in the morning, and avoid the mid day because of the heat. They recommend carrying a phone in case of an emergency.

Water supplies are disappearing at a rate that makes many residents nervous. Lake Cachuma is at 52 percent of its capacity. Gibraltar Dam is so low, the water is not usable in the Santa Barbara system.

No water restrictions are in place now, but they may be ordered if we have another dry winter.

Slideshow: Extreme Drought Conditions