Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid January 19, 2024 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated February 2, 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 is expanding across Micronesia Drought Intensity D2 (Severe Drought): Yap State: Yap, Ulithi and nearby islands D1 (Moderate Drought): RMI: Wotje and nearby islands Pohnpei D0: (Abnormally Dry): Pohnpei/Kosrae State: Pingelap, Nukuoro, Kosrae and nearby islands Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon, Lukunor and nearby islands Marianas: Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan RMI: Majuro, Kwajalein, Jaluit, Mili and nearby islands Rainfall During the Last 30 Days Satellite and rain gauge data show a large swath of drier than normal conditions across much of Micronesia during the last 30 days. Wetter than normal conditions have anchored the Date Line and south of 6N, along the equator, including Kapingamarangi of Pohnpei State. This is consistent with El Niño. 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 likely low on some islands. Water shortages are possible for communities that rely on well water. Effective January 12th, a State of Emergency was declared by the governor for Pohnpei State for ongoing drought and response efforts. In Kolonia, coastal town and capital of Pohnpei, water shortages were reported at some hotels, hospitals, and restaurants. In the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Jaluit High School in Jaluit Atoll is reporting water shortages with drinking water catchments dry. Agricultural Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions Water conservation measures are highly encouraged as both dry season and the dry phase of El Niño continue to spread across the region. 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 The ongoing El Niño will likely lead to worsening drought across much of Micronesia during the next several months Previous strong to very strong El Niño events have led to widespread, impactful droughts across Micronesia It is important to note that the current El Niño has evolved differently than other strong to very strong El Niño events of the past. While this increases the uncertainty as to how widespread and impactful drought will be, islands should prepare for a drier than normal dry season and worsening drought 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