With just 0.02 inches of precip this week, the Drought Monitor showing my station in an Abnormally Dry area, and my station at 88% of normal compared to NOAA 30 year norms, I am setting the bar at Mildly Dry. The annuals and perennials are dead from the below freezing temps this week. Friday and Saturday saw high temps in low 60’s. My activities have been affected by spending 8 hours yesterday watering the perennials and shrubs, and canceling a bonfire/s’mores party due to high winds and dry conditions. Today NWS issued Elevated Risk of Fire today across entire Chicago area due to low relative humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation.