For the week ending 7/26/2026, conditions were MODERATELY DRY. The 7-day cumulative precipitation total of 0.03 inches was 96% below the 13-year (2009-2022) average of 0.78 inches and in the “severely dry” range; the 30-day total of 2.14 inches was 37% below the expected 13-year average of 3.42 inches and in the “moderately dry” range; and the 90-day total of 13.02 inches was 27% above the expected 13-year average of 10.25 inches and in the “mildly wet” range. The 7-day water balance was -0.79 inches (0.03 inches of rain minus 0.82 inches of evapotranspiration). There was 1 day of measurable precipitation, with 0.03 inches on the 21st. Temps ranged from 82 F (on the 21st) to 52 F (on the 23rd), with average Hi/Lo temps of 78/61 F (-9/-9 relative to last week). Precipitation Trends—July to Date: 2.13 inches (down 1.02 inches, 68% of PRISM Normal); Year to Date (2026): 29.78 inches (up 7.13 inches, 132% of PRISM Normal). Unseasonably cool temperatures and low humidity this week were a blessing. Nice to be able to sleep with the windows open and no AC. Those areas of the lawn exposed to full sun are parched, with little growing but weeds. The high water level of Crescent, with flooded a large portion of our backyard for most of the month of July, was determined this week was due to a Beaver blocking the culver that serves as the outlet for the lake. This is the first we have been bothered by Beavers in the nearly 20 years that we’ve lived here. After its work has been destroyed, I hope it will decide to move on. One Great Egret appeared on Crescent Lake this week. Nesting Baltimore Orioles have fledged young and have moved elsewhere. Feeders have been dominated by Blue Jays, House Finches, American Goldfinches, and a few lingering Eastern Bluebirds.