BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- After two remarkably wet winters from 2022 into 2023 and then again from 2023 to 2024, now La Niña is living up to expectations and resulting in warmer, drier winter months for California. Despite beginning the year of 2024 with historic rainfall levels, an extended dry spell has covered Southern California since spring, bringing severe drought conditions south of the Kern County line that have fueled several large wildfires in recent months. Weather Wednesday: Wildfire season In Bakersfield we had a wetter period, but now we haven't seen measurable rain since Dec. 27 and the entire month of December brought in only 41-hundredths of an inch of rain. Less than half our December "normal." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says during a La Niña year -- winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the south and cooler than normal in the north. The phenomenon can have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems and more. Watch the full segment in the video player to learn more about La Niña.