Many moons ago, I had written about a high drought potential this year. I based that on simple anecdotal laws of average, though I quietly factored in some odd long-term meanderings of jet streams, which hinted that N.J. was falling within a weather null zone, lacking what might be called storm input.

This week, we’ve moved into the thick of dryness. The governor is talking about water conservation; it’s even being brought up on the digital sign fronting Surf City Borough Hall.