Even though it seems to be dry, if we look at the weather charts:
Prec. month to date - down 1.21 inches
Prec. year to date:  3.44 inches ahead of last year
Prec. since 10/2011 - 3.19 inches down from previous year.

So, even with the dry weather we are close to normal. 
Hint:  Water the garden and the yard, the soil is dry.