National Weather Service uses satellites to animate the difference between last year’s rain fall compared to this year. The region is in a rainfall deficit.

Anyone else’s lawn showing signs of thirst? This time last year, precipitation totals were near 2.5″ ABOVE normal for the year…this year, they’re over 6″ BELOW normal. You can see what a difference in rainfall amounts makes via satellite imagery comparison. pic.twitter.com/GoFXWzSuyr

— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) July 10, 2018