Last summer it was weeks between showers, and I about ran the well dry keeping plants alive. This year, a few days between showers at most, and I have watered only a few times. Afternoon highs near 100 drop quickly with a shower. The pond that was dry last summer is full. Dog days are here, but barely noticeable; most years they are awful, with terrible bugs and air that feels too thick to breathe.
I think this trend will continue and this winter will also be mild, though I have no sign from plants or animals to support this. Trouble is, I moved a few miles into the country about 3 years ago, so I'm not watching the plants that I had watched for 30 years. They do expect a mild hurricane season this year. We get heavy rain here, if we are in the path of their travel after they go on land.