Hot, sunny, dry day

In western Washington state we are not use to this many dry days and hot sunny skies.  I am enjoying it, but worry with fires already being a problem in the area.  The other thing I need to adjust for is the bright light, not so good for photography.  I may have to get up and out earlier to find the light I like so well,  I was rather frustrated today and it was only 9:00 am and already the light was very harsh.