Shirlee, in the horrible summer of 1980, I was working at a rural convenience store. When we got the first rain in months, it was mid-afternoon and cars were pulling over to the side of the road and stopping in the parking lot. We ALL were out dancing and standing and cheering in the rain.
My house has mature trees on three sides, including north and west. By early afternoon, the planted areas are shaded, which is the primary reason most of the shrubs and such have survived year after year. Much of what I put in is geared to our usual conditions. Once established, most of it can handle limited supplemental attention. However, last year, I lost quite a bit to the extreeeeeme heat and drought. Even if I could have physically been out in it, the watering restrictions were severe, so it didn't matter, really, what was out there--unless, tough as nails to start with, it was going to dry up and die. Was even starting to be concerned about the 75-year-old Cedar Elm up against the house, so I am especially grateful for the generous amount of rain we received this Spring. Brought the lakes back up from last year's scary-lows and the North Texas Water District eased back from Stage Three to Stage Two. But, again, this year, we have been running 8-10 degrees above normal for some time. Last three weeks have been brutal for June. Forced me to go into MS hibernation mode early and I am afraid I have already lost some of the new stuff put out there in April and May. Only supposed to be 94 today, so going out to water some of the worst ones; I only water after the areas become shaded or just before dusk, so the sun won't burn it off so quickly. Guess the short answer is there isn't a lot you can effectively do to save the more delicate plants when the temps get THAT high and stay there. Daylilies are tough, though. ALL of mine survived last year, even the one in the hell strip. So, although I KNOW it isn't easy, use whatever belief system you have to pray or send positive thoughts skyward for rain and try to "be of good cheer."
Trite, but true: This, too, shall pass.
Edited to say: Didn't mean to imply I didn't water at ALL. Every couple of weeks, I'd throw out the hose wand, leave it for 15 minutes or so, then go back out and move to another area until the most needy places had a good drink. I refuse to water the grass here, and with the restriction, sprinklers were/aren't a workable option.
Mulch, mulch, and more mulch, yeah!! 
