Very hot and very dry.

[alchemysa]

Jim. Our topography and climate in most of the state doesnt really suit the construction of large man made lakes. Much of the state is pretty flat with an average rainfall of about 8". Any rain is just going to soak into the parched ground or evaporate before you can use it. And as you said we just don't have the population to pay for major projects. Farmers of course do what ever they can to retain water in their own small dams.

But here in Adelaide I have to certainly admit that our politicians and public servants have been asleep at the wheel. We havent had a major dam built for about 30 years and now we are paying the price. Around Adelaide I'm sure we have the hills and the rainfall (normally) to make more major dams a viable option. But, instead, they want to spend 300 million bucks on a desalination plant, a ridiculous idea in my opinion, but the water authorities love the idea of course because then they can ratchet up the water prices and really screw us even in the middle of winter.

But someone is always worse off than us...

"The all-time national heatwave record was set in Marble Bar in northern Western Australia, which had 160 consecutive days at or above 37.8 degrees celsius (or 100 degrees fahrenheit) in the summer of 1923-24."

 

[ByronBob]

The USA really does have some amazingly beautiful scenery, and diversity! I live in Oregon and feel lucky every day! I'd love to visit Australia one day though.

Too bad all the water you show there is 45 degrees all year long. You can't swim in any of it.

 

[Pushing_Tin]

^^ Of course the water is cold, look how far north we are! There are still quite a few people that kayak, surf, swim and scuba dive in the chilly water.

 

[BB_TX]

alchemysa - We had a near record drought here in north Texas in 2006 with local lakes at record low levels and water restrictions. Then last year we had near record rains with all lakes to the flood stage damaging most of the lakes' recreational facilities. I don't hope you get that kind of rain, but maybe it will turn around like ours did.
As an old time local weatherman (rest his soul) used to say, "normal is simply the average of the extremes".

 

[alchemysa]

alchemysa - but maybe it will turn around like ours did.
As an old time local weatherman (rest his soul) used to say, "normal is simply the average of the extremes".

Maybe, but I don't think so. We've never had rain like that!. But I'll let you know.

Speaking of averages. Our average for the first half of the month was 10C above normal. It was about 38C instead of 28C. (Or about 100F instead of 80F.) When you live in those temperatures theres a heck of a difference between the average and the reality.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of the month brings. If its normal or cool it will bring the average right down. In the future they may look back at this month and say "Nothing unusual. It was just few degrees above normal". I find that weathermen are great ones for looking at averages but missing the real picture. I think they must spend too much time in their air-conditioned offices.