The new "normal"?

[lovelife65]

So, 2nd year here in Ashland, OR (Southern, near the CA Border). Last year was not too bad, pretty decent and expected temps up through July, and within July a few days here and there above normal but not life changing. Same with August, maybe a bit of excessive prolonged heat, but again nothing alarming. Then the Alameda fire hit in September and wiped out two towns - Phoenix and Talent.
This year a whole other ballgame. Excessive heat started in June and has not gone away. We have not gone below the low 90s as our highs for 6 weeks, and in fact had several record breaking days of 100s. And there are fires burning within California and Oregon early as well. Heat, smoke, dry. Haven't taken the dogs hiking in quite awhile.
This is not thought to be an anomaly, it is considered the new normal with the climate changing and new weather patterns setting in.
This is a quick shot across the field from our house, where we normally can see the lights of Ashland and Mount Ashland. Certainly not nice times for us or the planet.

The new normal? by sharonkay finley, on Flickr