Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid January 24, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This is the first Drought Information Statement issued for 2025. This product will be updated February 07, 2025 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. Saipan and Tinian have entered D2 (Severe Drought). Dry conditions developing/continuing across the RMI, Yap Proper & rest of the CNMI. 1 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 Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): Marianas: Tinian & Saipan D1 (Moderate Drought): Yap State: Yap Proper & nearby islands/atolls RMI: Kwajalein D0 (Abnormally Dry): Marianas: Rota Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon RMI: Majuro, Wotje, Ailinglapalap, Jaluit & nearby islands/atolls Rainfall During the Last 30 Days Satellite and rain gauge data, indicated below normal rainfall over the Marianas and much of the RMI due to the ongoing trade-wind pattern. RMI had an extremely wet Nov & Dec, curbing drought conditions at the moment. Tinian and Saipan had drier December and very dry start to January, which is currently the second driest start to January in the 45-year record. Most of the FSM and ROP are experiencing near normal to wetter than normal conditions as trade convergence and passing troughs continue to bring rain to these areas. Yap Proper and nearby islands have been north of most of this activity, leading to short-term moderate drought. Map courtesy of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Producing Center (GPC) for Long-Range Forecasts Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts None reported at this time. . Agricultural Impacts None reported at this time. Fire Hazard Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Saipan has reported prolong dry conditions, but there have been no reports of wildfires. If drought conditions persist, stressed vegetation will start to brown and increase the risk for fires across the Marianas. Mitigation Actions Start to watch water levels closely should dry conditions continue. Islands or atolls with a shallow water lens, like in the RMI, are sensitive to quick onsets of drought. Preparedness Actions Residents should report any agricultural and hydrologic impacts to local DCOs and WSOs, particularly during prolonged periods of drier weather. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses. Drought Outlook Short-term (1-3 Week Outlook) A dry trade-wind pattern is expected to continue across the northern RMI and the Marianas, while converging trade winds will help to promote showers across the ROP, FSM, and southern RMI near and south of 7N. The emerging La Niña base state tends to amplify the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), promoting a wetter pattern for far western Micronesia. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) This time of year is relatively dry for Micronesia. Long-range models favor a mixed rainfall pattern with seasonal rainfall expected along and north of 10N, and drier weather towards the equator, especially south of 5N, affecting islands such as Kapingamarangi. However, the MJO could further develop when it moves from the Indian Ocean and through the Maritime Continent, bringing rainfall at times for far western Micronesia, especially the ROP. The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook can be found on the CPC homepage Map courtesy of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Producing Center (GPC) for Long-Range Forecasts