Drought Information Statement for Micronesia 
Valid April 26, 2024
Issued By: WFO Guam
Contact Information:  nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov

This product will be updated May 10, 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

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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, Ulithi
RMI: Wotje and nearby islands

D3 (Extreme Drought):
Marianas: Saipan, Tinian and Guam*

D2 (Severe Drought): 
Yap State: Woleai and nearby islands
RMI: Majuro and nearby islands/atolls

D1 (Moderate Drought): 
Marianas: Rota
RMI: Kwajalein and nearby islands

D0 (Abnormally Dry):
Chuuk State: Chuuk Lagoon and nearby islands
RMI: Ailinglapalap and nearby islands

*Guam: Significant rains fell midweek over Guam, but after the weekly reporting period. Next week’s analysis could show some improvement for Guam. 

Rainfall During the Last 30 Days
Satellite and rain gauge data show drier than normal conditions across parts of Micronesia during the last 30 days; particularly for areas north of 7N. 

Trade wind disturbances have brought much-needed rainfall to areas of the FSM, particularly to Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk States; the southern islands of RMI, and to Palau.

Wetter than normal conditions during the last 30 days remain generally south of 7N to near  the equator. Much of Guam received 3 to 6 inches of rain on 24 April during a heavy rain event. 
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 for islands in Yap State, and the northern RMI. Much-needed rainfall fell across  Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae States, as well as Palau and the southern RMI. 

Agricultural Impacts
Agricultural strain was 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. Recent wildfires have also been reported in Palau, Yap and Saipan.

Mitigation Actions
Water conservation measures are highly encouraged for those locations experiencing extreme to exceptional drought as both dry season and the dry phase of the waning El Niño continues. 
Although receiving much needed rainfall in the last week, the Republic of Palau remains on Stage 1 of the Drought Action Plan. 

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 Yap State in Micronesia, and the northern Marshall Islands.  Trade-wind disturbances will provide additional showers to the main islands of the region, including Majuro, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Palau. 

Short-term (1-3 Weeks Outlook)
Global model consensus and a weak MJO favor a drier than normal pattern for the region in Week 1. The MJO could strengthen in Week 2 bringing near or above-normal rainfall to areas south of 7N. 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 7-8N latitude; and wetter than normal to the south. 
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