Generous rains fell on the northern and eastern parts of the metro area last weekend. Over 4 inches of rain has fallen in Anderson Township this month. In the meantime, the southwestern part of the metro area is languishing in heat and short term developing drought. Only 0.96 inch of rain has fallen at my Cheviot 0.9 SSE location in July, compared to 2.40 inches last July. Temperatures have been 90 or above on 13 days. Tree and plant stress in those areas is worsening, and lawns are browning. The heat will continue and may challenge the all time record for consecutive 90 degree days. Watering in the dry areas is becoming a matter of plant life and death.