More of California now in 'exceptional drought'

The historic drought that has gripped California since 2011 shows no signs of easing.

In fact, it has gotten a tad worse, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor's weekly summary of drought conditions.

"Exceptional drought" conditions, the report's worst drought category, has expanded across Lassen and Modoc counties, near the Oregon border. More than 44% of California is now suffering from "exceptional" conditions, which is characterized by widespread crop and pasture losses, and shortages of water in reservoirs, streams and wells.

With the exception of a tiny corner of San Bernardino County, the entire state is suffering from some degree of drought, according to the drought report.

Northern California did get some rain during the past week, as well as a bit of snow in the Sierra Nevada. But the snowpack remains at historic lows.

Northern California did get some rain during the past week, as well as a bit of snow in the Sierra Nevada. But the snowpack remains at historic lows. As of April 6, the snowpack was 5% of normal, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

As the dry season begins, little relief from the drought is in sight. California is expected to remain warmer and drier than average during the next two weeks, according to the report.

On Wednesday, the California Energy Commission voted to require new toilets and faucets to use less water when they're installed in homes and office buildings.

Under the new rules that go into effect next year, stores can't sell urinals that flush more than an eighth of a gallon, down from half a gallon. Bathroom and kitchen faucets can't pour out more than 1.2 and 2.2 gallons a minute.

Contributing: The Associated Press.