Turlockers are welcoming the warm and sunny spring weather after more than a week of rainy days in the Valley.  Spring got off to a rainy start, but sunshine is in the forecast for the upcoming week.

This March, California saw a higher than average amount of rainfall. Enough precipitation, in fact, that Gov. Gerry Brown declared an end to the drought. This declaration also marked the end of the drought related state of emergency in California called on June 12, 2008 and Feb. 27, 2009.

“While this season’s storms have lifted us out of the drought, it’s critical that Californians continue to watch their water use,” Brown said. “Drought or no drought, demand for water in California always outstrips supply. Continued conservation is key.”

The total rainfall for the Modesto area in March was 3.15 inches, up .85 inches from the yearly average according to the National Weather Service. Much of that rain fell from March 18 to March 26, where there was not a single day that Turlock did not see some precipitation.  On March 24 alone, Modesto saw .76 inches of rain.

All of that rain gave way to sunny skies on March 27, and many Turlock residents took the opportunity to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon outdoors.  Bike rides, picnics and barbecues were popular around the city to celebrate the spring weather.

The sunny weather is expected to hold out for the next 10 days, with highs in the low 70s according to Weather.com. This is good news for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.