Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid July 11, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov This product will be updated July 25, 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 intensity improves across Marianas. Moderate Drought (D1) now across Saipan and Tinian; Abnormally Dry (D0) for Guam and Rota. Extreme Drought (D3) persists across Wotje and Utirik; Severe Drought (D2) across Kwajalein, Ailinglaplap, & Jaluit. Pingelap in Pohnpei State improves to Moderate Drought (D1). A dry pattern is still persistent across northern RMI (near and north of 10N). 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D3 (Extreme Drought): Marshall Islands: Wotje, Utirik & nearby islands/atolls. D2 (Severe Drought): Marshall Islands: Kwajalein, Ailinglaplap, & Jaluit D1 (Moderate Drought): Marianas: Saipan & Tinian Pohnpei State: Pingelap D0 (Abnormally Dry): Marianas: Guam & Rota 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) With a monsoonal pattern pushing into western Micronesia from Southeast Asia, and the development of tropical systems near and north of the Marianas, a wet pattern as developed across Marianas and the Republic of Palau. Rainfall across the FSM remains mixed. Across Yap State, a wetter pattern was been supported by the Monsoon Trough along with embedded disturbances. For the islands of Chuuk, the past couple of weeks have been slightly drier, while trade-wind convergence and showers have brought rain to many of the islands in, Pohnpei and Kosrae, including Pingelap in Pohnpei State where drought conditions continue to improve. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts None reported at this time. Any reports from the northern RMI would be beneficial in monitoring local water catchments and gauging impacts of extreme drought on Wotje, Utirik & and nearby islands/atolls. Agricultural Impacts Vegetation on plantations continue to turn green on Guam, with improvement on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota expected due to recent rainfall. The Marianas is expected to remain in a relatively wetter pattern over the next week or two. Fire Hazard Impacts None reported at this time on Guam, due to rainfall over the past few weeks. Vegetation is improving on Saipan and the rest of the CNMI as well to recent rain, reducing the fire risk. 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. Follow any water conservation procedures that are shared by local authorities. 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) Rainfall is favored along the developing monsoon pattern in western Micronesia and tropical disturbances that have been developing near and northwest of the Marianas. This will continue to favor a wet pattern for the Marianas, Palau, and Yap State. An increase in rainfall is also expected across Pohnpei, Kosrae, and southern Marshall Islands, and later Chuuk State, as the ITCZ develops across eastern and central Micronesia. However, drier conditions are still expected for the northern Marshall Islands (near and north of 10N). See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) ENSO-neutral conditions continue across 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 near to below normal rainfall are predicted elsewhere, especially north of 7N. 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)