EnvironmentCalifornia Drought Persists; 2014 Warmest Year On RecordJanuary 8, 2015 | Ed JoyceFederal meteorologists said Thursday that California and Nevada had their warmest year on record in 2014. Meanwhile, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows the drought persists in both states and in the U.S. southwest. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.