Drought Information Statement for Micronesia Valid November 7, 2025 Issued By: WFO Guam Contact Information: nws.gum.operations@noaa.gov Kapingamarangi in southern Pohnpei State remains in Severe (D2) Drought. This product will be updated November 21, 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. Dry conditions continue near the Equator, affecting Kapingamarangi, as La Niña conditions continue. Rest of Micronesia is drought-free due to active trade-wind and tropical pattern. The shift to dry season will evolve in the coming months, likely starting with areas north of 11N-12N and continuing near the Equator. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity: D2 (Severe Drought): Pohnpei State: Kapingamarangi Insufficient Data: Pohnpei State: Pingelap Yap State: Ulithi Chuuk State: Fananu Palau 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) The past 30 days, rainfall has been near to above normal for most islands between 4N and 11N, with trends to normal to slightly below normal north of 11N and near the Equator east of 150E. Recent tropical (Kalmaegi and Fung-wong) and monsoonal weather has brought higher than normal rainfall across western Micronesia (ROP, Yap & Chuuk States). This matches well with expected La Niña pattern, which supports drier conditions near the Equator, east of 150E, and development of significant tropical cyclones in Philippine Sea and closer to the Asian continent, beginning the trend to drier conditions in the northern Marianas and RMI. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Latest reports from Kapingamarangi in southern Pohnpei State suggest some improvement to water supplies. As of the beginning of November, private (personal) tanks have increased from below 30% to just above 50% capacity, while public tanks (used as backup) are still near capacity. Agricultural Impacts At Kapingamarangi, the browning of trees and vegetation are still being reported, showing that dry conditions since mid-August are taking a toll on local agriculture. Fire Hazard Impacts None reported at this time. Mitigation Actions Monitor water levels. 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 as the region begins to enter typical dry season over the next few months. Reports from the islands are critical for decision-making and government responses. Drought Outlook Short-Term (1-3 Week Outlook) A more seasonal trade-wind pattern across eastern Micronesia is helping to keep near-normal rainfall between 4N and 11N. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), along with the base weak La Niña state, will favor tropical cyclone development in the vicinity of the Philippines or over the South China Sea and a wetter pattern across western Micronesia. However, the destructive interference between the MJO and the La Niña base state may weaken the MJO. Near the Equator, especially east of 150E, rainfall amounts will be lower, with totals of 3 inches or less over the next 2 weeks, and possibly less than 1 inch. This fits well with the expected La Niña conditions. See CPC - Global Tropics Hazards Outlook for more info. Seasonal (3 Month Outlook) La Niña conditions have emerged and are favored through the Northern Hemisphere winter, though in a weak state. This favors drier conditions along the Equator and north of 11N-12N east of 150E. Wetter pattern west of 150E. Areas between 4N and 11N are favored to be near to above normal for rainfall. 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)