Drought Information Statement for Micronesia
Valid March 29, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov
This product will be updated April 12, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/gum/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements.
Photo courtesy FSM Adaptation Fund
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U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Micronesia and the rest of the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands
Drought is spreading and worsening in some areas of Micronesia.
Drought Intensity:
D3 (Extreme Drought:
Yap State: Yap Proper
RMI: Wotje and nearby islands
D2 (Severe Drought):
Yap State: Ulithi and nearby islands
RMI: Majuro and nearby islands
Marianas: Saipan, Tinian, and Guam
D1 (Moderate Drought):
Yap State: Woleai and nearby islands
Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon and nearby islands
Pohnpei State: Pingelap and nearby islands
Marianas: Rota
RMI: Kwajalein
D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Republic of Palau: Palau
RMI: Ailinglapalap, Jaluit and nearby islands
Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data show drier than normal conditions across much of Micronesia during the last 30 days; particularly for areas north of 6N.
A trade wind disturbance last week brought much-needed rainfall to areas of the FSM, particularly to Pohnpei and Chuuk States.
Wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days remain generally south of 6N to near the equator.
Map courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
Summary of Impacts
Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter
Hydrologic Impacts
Water catchment levels are low or nearly empty on some islands. Water shortages for communities are occurring, especially on the outer islands of Yap State and northern RMI. Much-needed rainfall fell across many areas of Pohnpei and Chuuk States, bringing short term relief to islands of both states.
Agricultural Impacts
Agricultural recovery from crop damage across the RMI and the FSM from the King Tide and trade wind inundation on March 10 and 11, and the mid-January coastal flooding event remains unknown.
Agricultural strain is being reported from assessment teams and residents from islands across Yap State: taro patches drying up and coconuts drying out; and many reports of yellowing crops.
Wildfires have been reported on Guam, with one event burning through a reforestation project. Wildfires have also been reported the last couple weeks in Palau, Yap and Pohnpei.
Mitigation Actions
Water conservation measures are highly encouraged as both dry season and the dry phase of El Niño continues across the region.
The Republic of Palau is now on Stage 1 of the Drought Action Plan due to drying conditions there.
Preparedness Actions
Residents should report agricultural and hydrologic impacts to local DCOs and WSOs. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses.
Drought Outlook
Worsening drought is favored across much of Micronesia, especially islands near and north of 7N. However, trade-wind disturbances moving through the region will provide some rain to Palau and Kosrae, along with the southern islands of the RMI, Pohnpei, and Chuuk states near and south of 6N.
Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook)
Global model consensus and the current phase of the MJO favor a drier than normal pattern over much of the region through the mid April. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info.
Seasonal (3 Month Outlook)
The rainfall forecast through June remains drier than normal for islands near and north of 5N-7N latitude.
Map courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook can be found on the CPC homepage
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