My late father lived until 2003, and the 1930s had the hottest and coldest weather he ever saw. One summer, I think it was 1936 (perhaps 1934?) the entire yard (this was in the country, so about three acres) got to the point where it was just cracked earth, with cracks he could put his whole hand down into. There hasn’t been a repetition of this since then.
You are gem! Thank you for your ensight :)