50 Years of Changing Rainfall

From the National Climatic Data Center, here is a map depicted the average change in annual precipitation since 1970. In the Great Plains -- the climate models predicted drier conditions -- it has become wetter and that is a very good thing. That is also true throughout the Midwest. 

It drier in spots in the South and it is definitely drier in the West; very bad things given the rapid rise in population. 

Of course, this is represents averages. The latest Palmer Drought Index (Oct. 2) still shows severe drought conditions in much of the Great Plains

Ironically, drought conditions, thanks to a much above average rainfall summer monsoon, have improved somewhat in the West.