Conditions here are moderately dry.  The July rainfall across the State has reduced "drought level" from severe to moderate for the time being.  Raleigh has ended "stage 1" water restrictions.  We in Chatham County are still under "stage 2" water use restrictions. Fire danger has reduced however caution is still recommended.  Lawns and golf courses are green and people are out.  Humidity is still high.  One "long range" forecast speculates the rest of August to be drier that usual.  However the "El Niño" forecast predicts higher than usual September and October precipitation for the SE USA.  We are roughly 14 inches behind the 30-year NOAA water year average.