"The global heat records reflect the influence of a natural climate cycle as well, with a strengthening El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño tends to cause global average temperatures to climb.
Staying cool here! Yeah, I don't think I've seen it this dry since 2012.
I caved, and watered a little bit over the course of the past two weeks (mostly when watering the garden, potted herbs & tomatoes in the backyard). Thankfully with that rainfall from a few days back, I'll probably mow the lawn tomorrow...first time in at least three weeks.