This is not a new. The drought of the 1930s is often referred to as if it were one episode, there were at least 4 distinct drought events: 1930–31, 1934, 1936, and 1939–40.  These events occurred in such rapid succession that affected regions were not able to recover adequately before another drought began. This is typical of the eco systems called the Prairies. Climate change causes all the different eco systems we have in this world.