Melbourne- Aus driest capital

I was quite surprised* and worried to read in the paper this morning that Melbourne is the driest capital city in Australia so far this year.
Apparently we've had half as much rain as even Adelaide and Perth so far! and like a fifth Sydney and Brisbane's respective totals.

also heard a prediction that next summer will be quote: 'hotter and drier' than this past one ( ), which i honestly can't see as being possible. (last summer meaning the bushfires, a heatwave featuring the highest temperature ever recorded in any Aus capital city & with no rain for about 6 consecutive weeks around Feb)
and fire conditions are forecasted to be 'significantly worse' (than last season).

plus Melbourne dams are 27% full. bleak future.


*surprised not regarding dryness rather in comparison to Adelaide/Perth.

Mmmm, now is the time to prepare. I was thinking of getting a ventilation fan and maybe some more shade cloth. Just to prevent a repeat of last year.
It's more some of my non-succulent sage plants that I'm worried about.

Is there anything else people are doing in added preparation for summer?