Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid February 13, 2026 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov Utirik in the northern Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has degraded to Severe (D2) Drought. This product will be updated February 27, 2026 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. La Niña pattern has weakened following an active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in January, supporting a wetter than normal pattern for the beginning of the year across most of Micronesia. A more seasonal trade-wind pattern now extends across Micronesia, leading to drier conditions across the region. Severe short-term drought has developed at Utirik due to no rain over the past week. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): RMI: Utirik D1 (Moderate Drought): RMI: Wotje Pohnpei State: Pingelapi D0 (Abnormally Dry): Pohnpei State: Kapingamarangi Yap State: Yap Insufficient Data: Chuuk State: Fananu Yap State: Ulithi Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Micronesia and the rest of the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands Rainfall During the Last 30 Days Graphic courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) The past 30 days, rainfall has been near to above normal for the Marianas and most of the main islands across Micronesia. Normal to drier than normal rainfall seen across the northern Republic of the Marshall Islands and near the Equator, across southern portions of the Republic of Palau and Pohnpei State. Saipan saw its wettest January which included a typical shear line event that interacted with a surge of moisture lifted into the Marianas by a tropical disturbance that merged with the shear line. La Niña pattern continues to weaken after an active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) affected the region in January and was associated with westerly wind anomalies. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts None reported at this time. Agricultural Impacts None reported at this time. Fire Hazard Impacts None reported at this time. Mitigation Actions Monitor water levels. Islands or atolls with a shallow water lens, or relying on water catchments, are sensitive to quick onsets of drought. Follow any water conservation procedures that are shared by local authorities. Preparedness Actions Residents should report any agricultural and hydrologic impacts to local DCOs and WSOs, particularly during prolonged periods of drier weather as the region begins to enter typical dry season over the next few months. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses. Drought Outlook Short-Term (1-3 Week Outlook) A seasonal trade-wind pattern is expected over the next 5 to 7 days, though passing trade-wind troughs and trade convergence north of the equator will likely bring periods of showers to some islands. The convective phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) could propagate eastward into the Western Pacific in March. Potentially supporting a wetter pattern for the region and continuing the weakening of La Niña conditions. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) La Niña conditions are expected to continue to weaken, with a transition to ENSO-neutral likely over the next couple of months and through at least Northern Hemisphere late spring 2026. This supports an overall wetter pattern across most of Micronesia, with a weaker signal near and along the Equator. These trends are typical, but not guaranteed. The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) outlook can be found on the CPC homepage Graphic courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)