Since last reported on 07/26/2026, recorded 0.21" of daily precipitation and 0.02" of multi-day accumulation. Topsoil sample taken yesterday indicates dry dusty soil down to the 3.0" level with no moisture observed. This is drier than previously reported as there was some moisture at the 3.0" level. To finalize July 2026, we received a total of 1.0" of gauge catch for the entire month compared to a NOAA Normal of 3.32" and PRISM Normal of 3.23". 

Observed two Hummingbirds working our perennials yesterday. We had a Dragonfly that would fly over our water feature, but I found it dead yesterday on our front porch. Birds were active this past week but haven't seen them much since we returned home yesterday. We have two or three young Cottontails hanging out in our hedge. Watered all trees yesterday that were recently planted. Our Air Quality Index showed a reading of 105 yesterday which is in the unhealthy category. The smoky haze filtered the sun and made for an interesting sunset yesterday.  

The Aspen Acres fire has burned nearly 102,000 acres in the counties southwest of Pueblo, CO. As a consequence of wildfires, this area has seen flash flooding recently from thunderstorms dumping heavy rain on burned topsoil that cannot be absorbed by the Earth. Record breaking high temperatures up and down the Front Range of Colorado have just worsened the drought conditions. 

With nearly a quarter inch of precipitation this past week, I will maintain Moderately Dry Condition Scale.