It doesn't take a meteorologist to notice that it is unseasonably warm outside.

But it's not just the heat that is affecting Tucson, it's a lack of rainfall, too.

For the past seven years Tucson's average annual rainfall has declined 20 percent causing a serious drought, said UA urban horticulture agent John Begeman.

"Ordinarily this doesn't seem like a significant decline in rainfall, but we really depend on every bit of rain," Begeman said.

As the drought continues, Tucson is losing more large trees, which causes a loss of shade.

With less shade the temperature rises and water evaporates, leaving the remaining plants strapped for water, Begeman said.

During the month of November, temperatures were above the 1971 - 2000 average for virtually all of Arizona, according to the Climate Assessment for the Southwest Web site.

Although drought is determined solely by measuring current rainfall with average rainfall, hot temperatures can worsen the drought, said Kathy Jacobs, associate professor and specialist for the UA water resource center.

"When it gets hotter, it automatically gets drier because water is evaporated more quickly," Jacobs said.

Drought not only affects people, but it also affects wildlife and makes forest more adept to fire.

There are no indications that the drought is nearing an end.

It is predicted that the above-average temperatures will continue through the winter and early spring, without substantial rainfall, the Web site said.

This fall was the sixth warmest on record, according to the National Weather Service Web site. Yesterday, temperatures reached 80 degrees, which is 13 degrees above average for Dec. 1.

Yesterday's high was close to the record high of 84 degrees set in 1926.

According to the Water Use It Wisely Web site, there are more than 100 ways to conserve water.

"Not letting the tap run would go a long way for the drought situation," Begeman said. "We use ground water and just reducing the amount used could really help."

A majority of students don't realize that Arizona is experiencing a drought and haven't taken measures to conserve water.

"I had no idea that there was a drought," said photography sophomore Ryan Peacock. "I'm not conservative with my water at all. In fact, last night I spent half-an-hour thawing chicken under the faucet."

Just turning off the water while brushing teeth can save hundreds of gallons of water a week, according to the Water Use it Wisely Web site.

"I always turn off the water when I'm brushing my teeth, but it's because it's a habit," said undeclared sophomore Rachael Hanna. "I have lived here my whole life and in elementary school they taught us how to conserve water. There were even commercials on TV that gave tips."

Others who haven't lived in the desert for long have trouble remembering to conserve water.

"I would conserve water, but it's just a habit not to," said pre-education sophomore Justin Guarine, who is from Ohio. "It's just really hard to change habits."

It is very important to be cautious with outdoor use of water, Begeman said.

"In my apartment complex they water the rocks," Guarine added. "I'm no expert, but that seems like a waste of water to me."

Even reducing showering to five minutes can save 1,000 gallons of water a month.

"I didn't know there was a problem before, but even though I know now I think I will still take leisurely showers and do all that sort of stuff," said studio art junior Esther Martinez. "I guess it is just really hard to see the big picture when at the time it's only a minute or two extra."

If a strong El Nino year comes along, it could put the drought to an end. El Nino is caused when the Pacific Ocean experiences a warming phase, causing moisture to make its way to the southwest, Jacobs said.

This year has been a moderate El Nino year, bringing 10 inches of rainfall to the desert, still two inches less than the average, Begeman said.

"This very well could be a decade long drought," Jacobs said.