We're in a peculiar situation: the overflow from the spring which holds our house's well is still dry, as it has been most of the summer, but with moderating temps and with fewer plants in the ground, topsoil moisture levels seem close to normal.  Yet I still feel that, long term, we are below our normal pptn levels.  Nevertheless, topsoil moisture is very close to normal, and seedlings, once started, can grow on their own without supplemental water.