As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) reported that the state's drought conditions had significantly improved compared to the previous year. However, it's essential to note that California is a large state, and drought conditions can vary across different regions. Also, the situation may have changed since September 2021, so it's advisable to refer to more recent data from reputable sources for the current drought status.

That being said, here is an overview of the drought situation in California and how it compared to the rest of the U.S. as of September 2021:

Drought Improvement in California:

- According to the DWR, California's statewide water storage, including reservoirs, lakes, and groundwater, increased significantly from September 2020 to September 2021.

- The state's largest reservoirs, including Shasta and Oroville, which provide water to much of California, experienced substantial gains in storage levels.

- Heavy snowpack during the previous winter and above-average rainfall in the early months of 2021 contributed to the improvement.

Comparison to U.S. Drought:

- California's drought improvement was observed amidst ongoing dry conditions in other regions of the U.S., particularly the Western and Southern states.

- States such as Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico experienced severe to exceptional drought conditions during that time.

- Overall, the U.S. Drought Monitor map from September 2021 indicated that California's drought had reduced in intensity and geographic coverage compared to previous years.

- However, it's worth noting that drought conditions can be highly dynamic and can change over time.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about the drought situation in California and the U.S., it's recommended to consult official sources such as the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).