Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid March 21, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 4, 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. Severe (D2) Drought conditions persist across Saipan and Tinian. Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions persist across Guam and Rota. A drier pattern continues to emerge across the RMI and parts of the FSM. Moderate (D1) Drought conditions are in place across Yap Proper and the northern RMI 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): Marianas: Saipan & Tinian D1 (Moderate Drought): Yap State: Yap Proper & nearby islands/atolls Marshall Islands: Kwajalein Atoll, Wotje, Utirik & nearby islands/atolls D0 (Abnormally Dry): Marianas: Guam & Rota Pohnpei State: Kapingamarangi, Pingelap & nearby islands/atolls Marshall Islands: Jaluit, Ailinglapalap, Majuro & nearby islands/atolls 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 Graphic courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Rainfall patterns varied across the region the last couple of weeks. Seasonably dry conditions persisted across Guam and the CNMI with only spotty showers across the CNMI. An active trade-wind pattern kept a wetter pattern in place across the heart of MIcronesia with normal to above normal rainfall from Chuuk State to Kosrae State, mainly between 3N and 8N. Drier than normal conditions continued across the northern and central RMI, western Yap State and Kapingamarangi. ROP remains wetter than normal due to influences of the NET and trade-wind convergence. Drier weather persists along the equator, near and east of 150E to beyond the Date Line. 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 continue to brown across most of the CNMI, however recent rains have caused vegetation to green slightly at Rota and Guam. Fire Hazard Impacts Vegetation on plantations are brown across Saipan and Tinian, keeping the wildfire threat high. Recent rainfall on Guam and Rota reduced the short-term wildfire threat, but the fire danger has re-entered the high category as a drier pattern has resumed. There’ve been no additional reports of wildfires since the last statement, but ground reports are very welcome. The risk of fires will likely increase due to the ongoing dry pattern. 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) The seasonal dry pattern will continue across the Marianas and much of Micronesia and the RMI; with a wetter pattern favored near Palau; and drier than normal conditions along the equator east of 150E. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) La Niña conditions are weakening, favoring a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions in the April-June 2025 timeframe. The long-term trend favors near to above normal rainfall across western Micronesia, Palau and the Marianas. Drier conditions with below normal rainfall are predicted along the Equator east of 140E, across the Marshall Islands and eastern Micronesia 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)