Global warning has been cleared of blame for the 3-year-old drought.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says it’s El Nino and La Nina swapping hats in what’s called an alternating oscillation in the Pacific Ocean.

As for what’s ahead, the author of the study Richard Seager says “The models are projecting not overall drier conditions as a result of rising greenhouse gases, but a shorter, sharper rainy season.”

That could translate to a slight increase in winter rain in parts of California.

Story Date: December 26, 2014