Water

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 57.84%* of Texas is at D4-level drought, which they define as "Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies." Texas has it worse than any state, although it looks like New Mexico is in 2nd place with 44.53% 'Exceptional.'

*[update June 16: now at 64.78%]

Haven't heard about much cracking down on water use, other than assigning a watering schedule (which doesn't seem to be well-enforced). We've recently discovered that someone has been using our water and hose while we are gone - asshole thieves. I guess that's our reward for being good water-conservation citizens - they must think we can spare some. They even left the faucet running a little bit this time - so water was running all night before it was discovered. Grrrrrrrr.

In this area they've have cancelled the 4th of July fireworks displays, which is pretty severe as that has not happened before - not this far ahead (although it's been rained out on the same day). Fireworks sales have been banned until July 1st, and possibly will not be allowed after that - so I hope that doesn't mean there will be extra gunfire and stupidity.

Ducks and other aquatic, pond-related critters are suffering.

This isn't helping... and, no... it's not really a dry heat. It's humid, but just won't rain.

[updated forecast June 16 below] Ouch. Also it was 103° yesterday and 101° on Tuesday. Always seems to turn out hotter than predicted. [update on Friday - screw that 104°, it was 106° today and tomorrow could beat that.]