Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid July 05, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information:  nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov

This product will be updated July 19, 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:


D2 (Severe Drought): 
RMI: Wotje & nearby islands/atolls
Yap: Yap Proper

D1 (Moderate Drought): 
Yap State: Ulithi & nearby islands/atolls

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Marianas: Guam & CNMI



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 TUTT and ITCZ pattern continues to bring rain to RMI and eastern and central FSM (Kosrae State to Chuuk State). The monsoon trough is starting to extend from southeast Asia and towards Palau and Yap.

Near to wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days have generally been around 4-7N. 
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. Though drought conditions are improving, until showers become more frequent and sustained, long-term impacts of the drought will continue to take its toll on water levels.
Showers across Yap State and the northern RMI continue to improve drought conditions, but water storage levels are still recovering from low levels earlier this year. 

Agricultural Impacts
Earlier agricultural strain across Yap State is improving as vegetation becomes greener from recent showers.
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 drier 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 State 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