The Weather Prediction Center predicts that up to seven inches of rain could fall across parts of California over the next couple of days, bringing much-needed relief to a state ravaged by drought since the summer of 2011.

The entire state of California is in some level of drought, with almost 75% of the state experiencing an "extreme to exceptional drought" according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The last time any significant rain fell in California was at the beginning of March, when up to three inches of rain fell in parts of the Golden State. While the heaviest stuff won't fall over the worst of the drought conditions, any precipitation will help bridge the gap.

While much of the Pacific Coast will see some precious sky water this weekend, the Sierras will get between one to two feet of snow, bringing white stuff to an area desperately in need of it. California's Sierras have a snowpack that's between 14% and 32% of where it should be this time of year.

The benefits of the downpour won't last, unfortunately. The Climate Prediction Center predicts higher-than-normal chances for below-average precipitation across California over the next three months.

[Images via WPC and U.S. Drought Monitor]

[Corrected to reflect that roughly 75% of the state is in "extreme to exceptional" drought, not solely "exceptional."]