Drought — Marshall Islands, Guam

2017-05-01 to 2017-05-31 · Marshall Islands, Guam

Event narrative

The Experimental Drought Assessment of the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that Utirik in the Northern Marshall Islands remained in short term extreme drought (Drought Level 3 of 4). The Drought Monitor indicated worsening conditions for Wotje and Kwajalein(Ebeye) in the Northern Marshall Islands as they increased to severe drought (Drought Level 2 of 4).

Rainfall amounts illustrate the dry conditions as Utirik saw only 1.15 inches of rainfall during the month as opposed to the usual 4.25 inches. Wotje saw similar conditions with 1.14 inches compared to the average May rainfall of 4.92 inches. Kwajalein/Ebeye had 5.20 inches as opposed to the average of 6.61 inches.

Other locations over the Marshalls also attest to the dry conditions. Alingalaplap faired slightly worse as the observed May rainfall was 2.23 inches compared to the average of 10.78 inches. Jaluit saw 2.03 inches compared to 10.85 inches and Majuro saw 4.93 inches compared to 9.86 inches.

Wider weather episode

Dry weather prevails across parts of Micronesia. The rainfall has been so light that drought conditions persist across many islands.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 712956. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.