Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid February 27, 2026 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov Utirik and Wotje in the northern Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) are in Severe (D2) Drought. This product will be updated March 13, 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. Weak La Niña pattern still present but transition to ENSO-neutral expected by April. Active MJO pattern possible in March, this would help continue the near- to above-normal rainfall across most of the region along with increased potential for TC development in the Western Pacific. Drier conditions persist across the northern RMI with severe short-term drought for Utirik, Wotje, and surrounding atolls. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): RMI: Utirik, Wotje, and surrounding atolls. D0 (Abnormally Dry): Pohnpei State: Lukunor Yap State: Yap Insufficient Data: Pohnpei State: Pingelap Chuuk State: Fananu Yap State: Ulithi, Woleai 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. This overall rainfall pattern was created by a couple of shear line events, along with a series of trade-wind troughs across the region and the Near-Equatorial Trough (NET). La Niña pattern continues to weaken with transition to ENSO-neutral expected over the next couple of months. 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 is currently in it climatological dry season. 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 over the next couple of weeks. This could also favor tropical cyclone development within the Western Pacific. This should support 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 expected by April and persisting through the Northern Hemisphere Summer (June-August 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)