Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid May 24, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information:  nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov

This product will be updated June 7, 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 & nearby islands

D3 (Extreme Drought):
Marianas: Saipan, Tinian, Rota

D2 (Severe Drought): 
Yap State: Woleai
Marianas: Guam
RMI: Wotje & nearby islands/atolls

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

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Republic of Palau: Palau
RMI: Kwajalein, Majuro & nearby islands/atolls



Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data, prior to 93W, indicated drier than normal conditions persisted for  northern islands of Yap State, the northern RMI and the Marianas. Primarily for islands north of 9N. 

Tropical disturbances, such 93W, brought much needed rain to Yap State, and the ROP.

Wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days remain generally south of 9N to near the equator, reflecting 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 
Heavy showers from Invest 93W over the last 3 days brought much-needed rainfall to Yap Proper, Ulithi and Fais, providing some short-term drought relief.  At Yap Proper, 3 of the 4 water authorities reported water supplies rising since water levels dropped in Feb-Mar. Recent showers across the northern RMI also brought some limited relief to the northern islands. 
Despite recent showers across Yap State and the northern RMI, water shortages may still occur in the coming weeks until showers become more frequent and sustained across the region. 

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. 
Preparedness Actions
Residents should continue to report agricultural and hydrologic impacts to local DCOs and WSOs, even after recent showers. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses. 

Drought Outlook
Extreme to Exceptional drought persists in Yap State and the northern CNMI. Recent showers may lead to improved drought conditions for Yap State next week.  Tropical disturbances will provide additional showers  across the region in the coming week. 

Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook)
Weak tropical and 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 the Marianas. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info.

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