Good to see you back on AP!
You've picked a tough summer to start in - it's not usually this hot (the spell at the end of January was the hottest for 18 years). Cairns is currently on track for its hottest summer on record, although it will merely be one name in a very long list of places with that distinction in 2012-13.
Yes hot and dry compared to what it should be here.
Welcome back Rach! Am looking forward to hearing about what it's like in Cairns. Hope the resort lifestyle is going well too!