August 24 - 30, 2026: no precipitation but 'monsoon' rain patterns in southern and central mountain areas during this past week. Wild fires that have burned millions of acres of valley, foothills, and forest areas this summer are beginning to be brought under control, although new fires continue to be started by lightening and careless land use activities. "Muggy" feel to air at times during the week. Dehimidifier in the 'root cellar' has been pulling gallons of water from the air this week. Plants in the gardens are beginning to 'go by'--flowers on daisys and blackeyed susans are browning, Incredibal hydrangea blooms are now huge but a soft green color rather than white, grapes are ripening along the fence. Oaks along the street in the front are beginning to drop acorns like hail; horse chestnut spikey balls will be falling soon. All these plant and tree responses to this summer's intense and dry heat seem to be weeks ahead of normal. Oak tree acorns should continue to fall until November, for instance, but probably will last only into possibly October. Animals that eat the acorns over the winter will have a sparse supply. In the foothills and mountains, wildlife are already moving to lower elevations looking for food because drought and fires this summer have dried up or burnt their late summer supplies. Many winter range areas in the valleys have burned. This winter may be hard on wildlife because food supplies will be scarce. Water levels in upper Boise River basin reservoirs are rapidly being lowered--Lucky Peak is currently 65% full, Arrowrock 22%, and Anderson Ranch 61%. Seasonal management and conservation releases from Lucky Peak Dam often target winter/early-spring minimum flows are around 220 cfs. Current discharge at the Glenwood Bridge is about 722 cfs, being maintained for irrigation water rights needs and recreational uses.  Hot. Dry. No rain.