Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid May 10, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information:  nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov

This product will be updated May 24, 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 conditions show some improvement across much of the region, with the exception of the northern islands in Yap State and the northern RMI. 

Drought Intensity:

D4 (Exceptional Drought):
Yap State: Yap Proper, Ulithi

D3 (Extreme Drought):
Marianas: Saipan, Tinian 
RMI: Wotje & nearby islands/atolls

D2 (Severe Drought): 
Marianas: Guam, Rota

D1 (Moderate Drought): 
Yap State: Woleai
RMI: Kwajalein, Majuro & nearby islands/atolls

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon and nearby islands
RMI: Ailinglapalap & nearby islands/atolls



Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data show drier than normal conditions persist across northern islands of Yap and Chuuk States, the northern RMI and the Marianas. Primarily for areas north of 8-9N. 

Trade wind disturbances brought much-needed rainfall to areas of the FSM, particularly to Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk States; the southern islands of RMI, and to Palau.

Wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days remain generally south of 8N to near the equator. This reflects a months-long trend of showers slowly edging northward through the FSM and the RMI. 
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 still occurring, particularly for islands in northern Yap State (Yap Proper, Ulithi, Fais), and the northern RMI (Wotje and nearby islands). Much-needed rainfall continues to fall across Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae States, as well as Palau and the southern RMI. 

Agricultural Impacts
Agricultural strain was 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 Saipan and Guam with fires also reported in Palau and Yap over the last month.

Mitigation Actions
Water conservation measures are highly encouraged to continue for the dry islands of Yap State and the northern RMI. Locations with extreme to exceptional drought could see at least another month of below-normal rainfall as both dry season and the dry phase of the waning El Niño continues. 
Although receiving much needed rainfall in the last week, the Republic of Palau remains on Stage 1 of the Drought Action Plan. 

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
Extreme to Exceptional drought is likely across northern Yap State in Micronesia, the CNMI, and the northern Marshall Islands.  Trade-wind disturbances will provide additional showers elsewhere across the region. 

Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook)
Weak trade wind disturbances will bring periods of showers to many islands near and south of 9N. Drier conditions to persist along and north of 9N, particularly for Yap Proper, Ulithi, Fais and the Marianas. . See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info.

Seasonal (3 Month Outlook)
The rainfall forecast through July remains drier than normal for islands near and north of 9N latitude; and wetter than normal to the south. 
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