Crossword Genius

Like days in June around South, affected by dryness (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thirsty

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'like days in june' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'south affected by dryness' is the wordplay.
'south affected' becomes 'y' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'dryness' becomes 'thirst' (I've seen this before).
'y' put after 'thirst' is 'THIRSTY'.

'around' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thirsty that I've seen before include "Ardently desiring" , "Keen" , "Needing a drink" , "Hungry" , "Try this if you need drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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