The spring/early summer months of 2026 have been extremely dry, resulting in "crunchy" grass and periods of dormant (no-growth) conditions given the high heat and lack of appreciable rainfall. We have lived at this location for 15 years and this is the latest first-cut of our grass (July 5th) since we moved here in late 2010. Area yards appear brown, low growth. There is a swampy freshwater pond adjacent to my property that is completely dry. I am surprised more water restrictions have not been put into place for western Carteret County and am concerned that fire weather conditions will be an issue for the rest of summer into the fall months.