Here is my thought on it...It is very warm and yes very dry, and things are moving out of dormancy rather quickly. But I think that if you throw a bunch of water on it all now you will really spur the growth process along and that is fine if the weather remains as it is. I don't, however, think that this will be the case and a return to normal could possibly damage all that new growth. I myself am hoping for rain and cooler temps to ease things in, but I have watered spring bulbs as they are supposed to be awake now and some pansies that have returned as they can weather the storm as well.

My thoughts...as one who usually takes a cautious approach, Helen.

what do you think the temp is below ground where your plastic connections and lines are? What happens when water freezes? Even a little.....It expands, cracks the plastic.....then what? It isn't worth it to start too early. Dig a hole in shady part of yard. How far down is frost?
Squirrels eating hose? Give them ears of corn? Seeds? Spray something on the coiled up hose? Like pet deterrant or spice?

Melissa, you might be better off laying down some mulch first to trap moisture in. It is a good idea to do that at the start of spring anyway as it will help you conserve water later during the summer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Irrigation Global