Summer solstice today makes it official - it's summer. It's been dry for most this past week with just a total of 0.35". A front came through Thursday and left an early morning gauge catch of 0.03". That was followed later in the evening beginning with an alert from the NWS of strong winds and heavy rain, and the potential of a tornado. We received 0.32" of rain in a downpour beginning about 5:30PM and lasting about twenty minutes. It was pouring! The rain tapered off, but most of that came in about 15 minutes. The whole thing lasted only about a half hour and the front continued to move east. Later, TV news showed several trees that came down in the storm, blocking roads and damaging vehicles and homes, and bringing down power lines here and there. We were lucky - no real damage and lots of drama watching it rain so hard (from inside). 
That much rain coming so hard and fast doesn't do much to alleviate the drought conditions of course. But forecasts for tomorrow include an all day gentle rain. We can use it.
Plants are growing but have been affected by the dry conditions. Rain barrel water provides enough that annual flowers in window boxes and planters are fine, but other areas have been wilting (milkweed and goldenrod) and the areas of the lawn without shade are parched, crunchy and dusty. An all day rain is something to look forward to. Blossoms that have opened this week include milkweed, clematis and hostas. Flower spikes from the yucca plants are reaching some 5' tall this week. 
Songbirds visit most days around the feeder and bird bath (fresh water most days in the bird bath). I have noticed a few fire flies around this week although I have not seen their night time display yet. I keep checking for it. 
Welcome summer, and welcome an all day gentle rain.