Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid April 18, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated May 2, 2025 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. Severe (D2) Drought conditions expand to include Kwajalein and Wotje in the RMI. Severe drought persists across Saipan and Tinian. Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions persist across Guam and Rota. Moderate (D1) Drought conditions persist across Yap Proper, Pingelap, Ailinglapalap and Utirik A dry pattern will persist across the RMI and the eastern FSM. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): Marianas: Saipan & Tinian Marshall Islands: Kwajalein & Wotje D1 (Moderate Drought): Yap State: Yap Proper & nearby islands/atolls Pohnpei State: Pingelap Marshall Islands: Ailinglapalap, Utirik & nearby islands/atolls D0 (Abnormally Dry): Marianas: Guam & Rota Pohnpei State: Kapingamarangi Marshall Islands: Jaluit & nearby islands/atolls 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) Rainfall patterns varied across the region the last couple of weeks. Seasonably dry conditions persisted across the CNMI with only spotty, light showers there, but more showers in the last week for Guam. After a prevailing wet pattern across much of the FSM in recent months, drier conditions developed across much of Micronesia in the last 1 to 2 weeks. A dry pattern prevailed across much of the Marshall Islands, particularly for islands north of Majuro Atoll, where drought conditions worsened. ROP remains wetter than normal due to influences of the NET and trade-wind convergence. 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 Vegetation on plantations continue to brown across most of the CNMI, with drier conditions trying to take hold across Guam and Rota, where vegetation is thinning and browning to a lesser extent. Fire Hazard Impacts Vegetation on plantations are drying across Guam and the CNMI, keeping the wildfire threat high. The Guam fire danger continues to increase despite recent showers. There’ve been a number of reports of wildfires since the last statement. Ground reports are very welcome. The risk of fires will continue to increase due to the ongoing dry pattern, particularly during breezy conditions. Mitigation Actions Monitor water levels closely. Islands or atolls with a shallow water lens, or rely on water catchments, are sensitive to quick onsets of drought. Preparedness Actions Residents should report any agricultural and hydrologic impacts to local DCOs and WSOs, particularly during prolonged periods of drier weather. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses. Drought Outlook Short-term (1-3 Week Outlook) The seasonal dry pattern will continue across the Marianas the next few weeks with less than an inch of rainfall expected the next 10 days. A much drier pattern, compared to recent months, is in place across Micronesia. However, there is a tight gradient across the region with abundant tropical moisture along and south of 7N, while locations north of 7N will favor much drier conditions the next few weeks. Very dry conditions will persist across the Marshall Islands, especially for islands north of Majuro Atoll. A wetter pattern will persist near Palau. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) La Niña conditions continue to weaken. ENSO-neutral conditions are favored through the N. Hemisphere summer. The long-term trend favors near to above normal rainfall near Palau while drier conditions with below normal rainfall are predicted elsewhere. 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)