Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid May 3, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated May 16, 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. Drought worsen from Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) for Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas and Wotje in the RMI. Severe (D2) Drought conditions expand to include Pingelap in Pohnpei State. Severe drought persists across Kwajalein, Ailinglapalap & Utirik in the RMI. Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions persist across Rota but Guam has worsen to Moderate (D1). Moderate drought conditions persists across Yap Proper. A dry pattern will persist across the Marianas and RMI, with short term drying in eastern FSM. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D3 (Extreme Drought): Marianas: Saipan & Tinian Marshall Islands: Wotje D2 (Severe Drought): Pohnpei State: Pingelap Marshall Islands: Kwajalein, Utirik, Ailinglaplap & nearby islands/atolls D1 (Moderate Drought): Marianas: Guam Yap State: Yap Proper & nearby islands/atolls Marshall Islands: Jaluit D0 (Abnormally Dry): Marianas: Rota Pohnpei State: Kapingamarangi 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) Seasonably dry conditions persisted across the Marianas as showers have remain spotty. A dry pattern also continues across much of the Marshall Islands, especially for the islands north of Majuro Atoll, were drought conditions continue to worsen. Rainfall across the FSM has been mixed. Recent trade-wind convergence and showers has brought rain to many of the islands in Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, but some islands, such as Pingelap in Pohnpei State, has reported little to no rainfall in the past two weeks. Then across Yap State a wettern pattern was supported by the NET along with embedded tropical disturbances. ROP remains wetter than normal due to influences of the NET and embedded tropical disturbances that also affected Yap State. 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 due to limited rainfall. 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 an inch or less 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) ENSO-neutral conditions are returning to the Pacific and 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)