Ann wrote:What about the weather where you live, Chris? And what about the rest of you U.S. residents?
Well, we're still in drought. It's not as bad as last year, since we had a couple of centimeters of rain in the spring, and a little moisture now and then since then. Emphasis on "little". Two days ago we were excited to get 0.05 inches (1.3 mm) and yesterday even more excited to get 0.06 inches. Yes, we're excited about what's happening in the hundredths column! Still, that's enough to at least keep the plants alive, and what little grass we have from dying off completely.
But it's been hot. Last week we had a couple of days that reached 28°C, which means I was useless. Couldn't go outside, just sat around and was miserable. Highs around this time of year ought to be more like 23°C- still uncomfortable, but not debilitating. But what's "normal" anymore?
We might be seeing the beginning of the southwest monsoons (which didn't even happen last year). Went out riding this morning, since that sometimes encourages Loki to throw some rain at us. Brought up some impressive clouds, as seen below, but no rain. But hark! I speak too soon. A downpour is hitting now- over a tenth of an inch! Whoopee!
The small amount of moisture has made for a much better flower season this year. Out riding, we saw daisies, asters, penstemon, loco, vetch, paintbrush, wallflower, geranium, and much more. Orange, yellow, white, blue, pink, purple. The flowers are a little stunted, but pretty abundant.
(The rain is slowing down, with the gauge reading 0.16 inches - 4mm - the most in a single shower in maybe two years.)