
It was like the day was burning
Everywhere he turned, he saw the fields on fire
Captive by the wireHome fell like breaking china
Fear was the only thing they shared at all
Bearing every soulOh, give me rest tonite
– Hoi Polloi, “Rest Tonite”
Texas is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in the state’s history and suffering through one of its hottest summers. Here in the DFW Metroplex, we racked up 40 days straight of triple-digit high temperatures in July and August, two days short of tying a record, and have so far had 57 days total over 100 degrees, with that number climbing daily. Further south, it’s much worse. Austin has already had 69 days of 100 degree-plus weather and much less rainfall. Losses in crops and livestock due to the drought have cost Texas $5.2 billion, and much of the state is under severe water restrictions.
And there’s no sign of relief any time soon. While the temperatures will eventually subside in a month or so, meteorologists are saying we’re probably in for another drier-than-normal La Niña winter. Which means things will probably get a lot worse before they get any better.
As if I didn’t feel old enough already, today is the 











