Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid March 29, 2024 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 12, 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 spreading and worsening in some areas of Micronesia. Drought Intensity: D3 (Extreme Drought: Yap State: Yap Proper RMI: Wotje and nearby islands D2 (Severe Drought): Yap State: Ulithi and nearby islands RMI: Majuro and nearby islands Marianas: Saipan, Tinian, and Guam D1 (Moderate Drought): Yap State: Woleai and nearby islands Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon and nearby islands Pohnpei State: Pingelap and nearby islands Marianas: Rota RMI: Kwajalein D0 (Abnormally Dry): Republic of Palau: Palau RMI: Ailinglapalap, Jaluit and nearby islands Rainfall During the Last 30 Days Satellite and rain gauge data show drier than normal conditions across much of Micronesia during the last 30 days; particularly for areas north of 6N. A trade wind disturbance last week brought much-needed rainfall to areas of the FSM, particularly to Pohnpei and Chuuk States. Wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days remain generally south of 6N to near the equator. 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 low or nearly empty on some islands. Water shortages for communities are occurring, especially on the outer islands of Yap State and northern RMI. Much-needed rainfall fell across many areas of Pohnpei and Chuuk States, bringing short term relief to islands of both states. Agricultural Impacts Agricultural recovery from crop damage across the RMI and the FSM from the King Tide and trade wind inundation on March 10 and 11, and the mid-January coastal flooding event remains unknown. Agricultural strain is being reported from assessment teams and residents from islands across Yap State: taro patches drying up and coconuts drying out; and many reports of yellowing crops. Wildfires have been reported on Guam, with one event burning through a reforestation project. Wildfires have also been reported the last couple weeks in Palau, Yap and Pohnpei. Mitigation Actions Water conservation measures are highly encouraged as both dry season and the dry phase of El Niño continues across the region. The Republic of Palau is now on Stage 1 of the Drought Action Plan due to drying conditions there. 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 Worsening drought is favored across much of Micronesia, especially islands near and north of 7N. However, trade-wind disturbances moving through the region will provide some rain to Palau and Kosrae, along with the southern islands of the RMI, Pohnpei, and Chuuk states near and south of 6N. Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook) Global model consensus and the current phase of the MJO favor a drier than normal pattern over much of the region through the mid April. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) The rainfall forecast through June remains drier than normal for islands near and north of 5N-7N latitude. 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