Drought — Micronesia, Guam

2024-01-03 to 2024-01-31 · Micronesia, Guam

Event narrative

Ulithi, an island in Yap State and located just northeast of Yap Proper, entered Severe Drought (D2) as December of 2023 ended with 3.87 inches of rain which is ranked the seventh driest in a 41 year period, with eighth consecutive weeks below rainfall for water needs. Yap entered moderate drought (D1) with 3.37 inches of rain which is ranked third driest out of 73 year period, but only five consecutive weeks below rainfall for water needs. Within Chuuk State, Lukunor atoll entered D0 (Abnormally Dry), along with the following islands in Pohnpei State: Pohnpie, Pingelap, and Nukuoro. On January 10th, the Governor of Pohnpei State declared a state of emergency for the main island of Pohnpei and the outer islands of the State. Pohnpei State had been experiencing shortage of waters, with schools, hospitals and dispensaries to be prioritized for water availability, with schools being on half day schedules for students. The Drought Monitor updated the main island of Pohnpei to D1 (Moderate Drought) January 16th.

Wider weather episode

El Nio developed during the summer of 2023, but the western Pacific experienced a below average year in Tropical Cyclone (TC) activity with only 19 TCs developing. This, along with a quick return of a dry trade-wind pattern in December of 2023, led to below average rainfall from much of Micronesia. This drier pattern continue through January as the dry phase of El Nio began.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1158002. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.