For the 3 weeks ending Aug. 19 we received only 0.10 inch of rain.  The soil was dry with blowing dust occuring during thunderstorm wind. Then on Aug. 20 we received a quick 0.55 inch.  It has quickly dried up and the soil is again dry and dusty. The above normal heat is causing high evaporation, dryness, and high energy use. The Albuquerque cooling degree day total for the season so far is 1520 which is 33% above the normal 1139.  Last year at this time the cooling degree total was 17% above normal.  Field flowers are few - only some small yellow flowers and only a few sunflowers; two years ago sunflowers were everywhere. Tomatoes are not doing well in this heat.  There are no crickets or moths. The Sandia Mountains are dry and dusty with little plant and grass growth. Water flow in the Rio Grande River in Albuquerque is near zero. Our water supply is adequate but with mandatory watering restrictions in place.