Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid August, 2, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov
This will be final Drought Information Statement issued. 
Drought Information Statements will resume when drought returns to D2 (Severe) Category.  
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/gum/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 
DROUGHT CONDITIONS HAVE EASED ACROSS THE FSM
NEW INFORMATION FROM THE RMI INDICATES DROUGHT CONDITIONS HAVE EASED ACROSS THE NORTHERN ISLANDS
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):
None.
Wotje is listed in this weeks analysis as Extreme Drought. New information from RMI reveals that drought conditions most likely do not exist (data collection issues), and are more representative to conditions in Kwajalein.

D2 (Severe  Drought): 
None.
D1 (Moderate Drought): 
None.

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Marianas: Tinian and Saipan



Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data, indicated slightly below normal rainfall over the Marianas while across the rest of Micronesia rainfall has been near to above normal, especially across the ROP.

Active ITCZ pattern last month brought showers to RMI and eastern and central FSM (Kosrae State to Chuuk State). The monsoon trough has been fluctuating, retreating west of the region and then pushing back into ROP and Yap State, but overall supporting a wet pattern.

Near to wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days have generally been south of 10N. 
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 
None Reported
.

Agricultural Impacts
None Reported.


Mitigation Actions
None. Regional rainfall patterns should be sufficient for weekly water needs. However, watch water levels closely should there be a dry week or two. 
 
Preparedness Actions
Residents should continue to 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 Weeks Outlook)
The ITCZ has retreated east of the Date Line and an atypical ridge has developed across southern Micronesia, bringing short-term drier conditions across the RMI to Chuuk State. A monsoon gyre is trying to develop to the north of the Marianas, which will shift convection northward to, and north of the Marianas, while the ridge extends towards Palau and Yap. The MJO remains an inactive player for our region. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info.

Seasonal (3 Month Outlook)
The rainfall forecast beyond August still supports drier than normal for islands near and north of 8N 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