21.   Black leaves on the massive rhododendrons are evidence of stress from the dry spell.

22.   Both droughts were much more intense than the six-year dry spells that afflict modern California from time to time.

23.   A long dry spell will be alleviated in much of the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states as showers dampen most of the region.

24.   A month-long dry spell in July, though, stressed plants during the critical pollination period.

25.   A severe dry spell has gripped the metropolitan region since the fall.

26.   A winter dry spell is hardly noteworthy in this region because it occurs at the driest time of the year.

27.   After a long dry spell, welcome rains followed an increase in tropical moisture.

28.   Again putting their hopes on a big snowpack, experts already are looking to next winter for the best chance to break the dry spell.

29.   Also, corn prices have been volatile after a July dry spell in the Corn Belt did more damage than expected.

30.   Bucs receiver Keyshawn Johnson has gone five games without a TD, the longest dry spell in his five seasons.