Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid June 21, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information:  nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov

This product will be updated July 5, 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

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 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:


D3 (Extreme Drought):
Yap State: Yap Proper, Ulithi & nearby islands

D2 (Severe Drought): 
RMI: Wotje & nearby islands/atolls
Marianas: Rota

D1 (Moderate Drought): 
Yap State: Woleai & nearby islands/atolls
Marianas: Saipan and Tinian

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
RMI: Kwajalein nearby islands/atolls
Marianas: Guam



Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data, indicated slightly below normal rainfall over the Marianas while across most of Micronesia rainfall has been near to slightly above normal, with drier conditions along  and south of the equator.

Active ITCZ pattern continues to bring rain to RMI and eastern and central Micronesia (Kosrae to Chuuk states). The monsoon trough is starting to extend from southeast Asia to Palau and Yap.

Near to wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days have generally been around 4-7N 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 
The slow transition to the summer monsoon pattern has been bringing rain to Yap Proper, Ulithi and Fais. However, until showers become more frequent and sustained , long-term impacts of the drought will continue to take its toll on water levels. Photos taken June 4th of the Gitam Reservoir on Yap Proper, showed water levels at the reservoir are near or below levels recorded during the 2016 drought. 
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.
The CNMI continues to experience dry conditions, however frequency of wildfires has decreased since peak in March-April as there has been periods of increased rainfall due to passing disturbances and TUTTs. Recent reports indicate a return of greener vegetation following some recent showers.

Mitigation Actions
Water conservation measures are highly encouraged to continue for the dry islands of Yap State.
 
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 drought persists in Yap State and the CNMI.

Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook)
Active ITCZ and trade-wind pattern expected to bring near to above normal rainfall to  RMI and eastern to central FSM (Kosrae to Chuuk State). Drier conditions to persist along and north of 9N, particularly the Marianas.  ROP and Yap State are in a transition period as the monsoon trough struggles to develop across southeast Asia. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info.

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