Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid February 21, 2025
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov
This product will be updated March 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 remain in D2 (Severe Drought), While Guam and Rota upgraded to D1 (Moderate Drought).
Active ITCZ pattern & NET has helped to keep most of the RMI, FSM, and ROP drought free to abnormally dry (D0), with the exception of Yap Proper (FSM) and Kwajalein (RMI) which are at D1 (Moderate Drought).
1

U.S. Drought Monitor

Drought Intensity:


D2 (Severe Drought): 
Marianas: Saipan & Tinian 

D1 (Moderate Drought): 
Yap State: Yap Proper & nearby islands/atolls
RMI: Kwajalein Atoll
Marianas: Guam & Rota

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Yap State: Woleai
Pohnpei State: Pingelap
RMI: Wotje


Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Micronesia and the rest of the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands

Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Rainfall patterns varied across the region, with islands north of 8N receiving near or below normal rainfall, while locations between 3N and 7N saw near to above normal rainfall.

After a wet 1-2 months, some of the main islands of the FSM had below normal rainfall in the last week, including Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap.

The northern RMI, along and north of 8N, saw below normal rainfall while islands and atolls to the south, including Majuro, received sufficient rainfall for weekly needs.

Drier weather persists along the equator, near and east of 150E to beyond the Date Line. This includes Kapingamarangi.
Graphic 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 
None reported at this time.


Agricultural Impacts
Vegetation on plantations are beginning to turn brown across the CNMI and Guam.

Fire Hazard Impacts
Vegetation on plantations are beginning to turn brown, and the wildfire threat is increasing as wildfires have been reported across Guam and the CNMI in recent weeks.


Mitigation Actions
Monitor water levels closely. Islands or atolls with a shallow water lens, or rely on water catchments, 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)

Seasonal/average rainfall is expected the next few weeks across the Marianas and central FSM, with a wetter pattern favored near Palau and western Yap state, and drier conditions along the equator east of 150E, and up into the Marshall Islands. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info.

Seasonal (3 Month Outlook)

A La Niña Advisory remains in effect, meaning that La Nina conditions are still present. Although this event is expected to be a weak and short-duration event (transition to ENSO-neutral likely during March-May 2025), it will have some seasonal effects on regional rainfall. The long-term trend favors near to above normal rainfall across much of Micronesia, including the Marianas. A drier pattern with below normal rainfall will favor areas along the Equator east of 140E. Note: these trends are typical, but not guaranteed. 
The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook can be found on the CPC homepage
Graphic courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)