For the week ending 8/9/2026, conditions were MODERATELY DRY. The 7-day cumulative precipitation total of 0.09 inches was 88% below the 13-year (2009-2022) average of 0.78 inches and in the “moderately dry” range; the 30-day total of 1.57 inches was 54% below the expected 13-year average of 3.42 inches and in the “severely dry” range; and the 90-day total of 12.63 inches was 23% above the expected 13-year average of 10.25 inches and in the “near normal” range. The 7-day water balance was -0.57 inches (0.09 inches of rain minus 0.66 inches of evapotranspiration). There was 1 day of measurable precipitation, with 0.09 inches on the 6th. Temps ranged from 84 F (on the 7th) to 61 F (on the 3rd), with average Hi/Lo temps of 81/66 F (0/0 relative to last week). Precipitation Trends—August to Date: 0.27 inches (down 0.97 inches, 22% of PRISM Normal); Year to Date (2026): 31.13 inches (up 6.64 inches, 127% of PRISM Normal). Unseasonably cool temperatures and low humidity continued this week, resulting in limited use of AC. The lawn has recovered somewhat from earlier in the summer. Dry conditions have required daily watering of roses and a prized European Beech tree. Yellowed leaves of the Eastern Cottonwood have been dropping at a slow but consistent pace since late July, a normal occurrence. Bird activity at the feeders now consists primarily of American Goldfinches and House Finches. A rarity was two Green Herons foraging along the margins of Crescent Lake one morning. Katydids have begun their nighttime choruses. I've noticed an apparent uptick this year in the commercial growing of melons in the local area.