Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid April 12, 2024 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 26, 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: D4 (Exceptional Drought): Yap State: Yap Proper RMI: Wotje and nearby islands D3 (Extreme Drought): Yap State: Ulithi and nearby islands RMI: Majuro and nearby islands D2 (Severe Drought): Yap State: Woleai and nearby islands Marianas: Saipan, Tinian, and Guam D1 (Moderate Drought): Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon and nearby islands Marianas: Rota RMI: Kwajalein, Ailinglapalap and nearby islands D0 (Abnormally Dry): Republic of Palau: Palau Pohnpei State: Pingelap and nearby islands RMI: 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 disturbances have brought much-needed rainfall to areas of the FSM, particularly to Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk States and the southern islands of RMI 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, western Chuuk State and northern RMI. Much-needed rainfall fell across many areas of Pohnpei, Kosrae and eastern Chuuk States, bringing short term relief to islands of the three 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 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 remains 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 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 weakening of the MJO favor a drier than normal pattern for the region, especially over Palau and western Yap State. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazard Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) The rainfall forecast through July remains drier than normal for islands near and north of 5-7N 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