‘CNMI drought to worsen’

The National Weather Service in Guam has extended the notice of anticipated dry weather for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Rainfall has diminished over the Commonwealth since January.

After the passages of Super Typhoon Wutip and Tropical Depression 03W across the region several weeks ago, the post El Niño-like dry weather has returned and will likely continue through the spring of 2019.

The northern Marshall Islands north of Majuro, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other areas such as Western Yap State and the Republic of Palau have received much less than normal rainfall over the past few months.

The drought conditions over the Mariana Islands have worsened and that trend will continue through the coming weeks. Saipan and Tinian in Particular will suffer from very dry weather.

Computer model guidance strongly supports the prediction that drier than normal weather will continue to spread across much of Micronesia, including the Marshall Islands, the Marianas Islands, and some of Yap State.

Although the main islands of Micronesia appear to have sufficient water resources at this time, they should plan for drier conditions over the next several weeks and perhaps months.

The experimental drought assessment of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that Wotje of the Marshall Islands and Saipan and Tinian of the CNMI have worsened to extreme drought conditions called d3-s (short-term drought level 3 of 4).

Fananu of Chuuk State, along with Yap, Palau, Rota of the CNMI, and Majuro of the RMI are in moderate drought d1-s (short-term drought level 1 of 4).

Both Saipan and Tinian received less than an inch of rainfall in the month of March. Rota received 1.99 inches of rain at the airport but likely much less over other parts of the island. Showers have been spotty and brief. Rainfall has been abnormally low over the Commonwealth since January. Rainfall will continue to be below normal over the region from April into May.

Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the far Northern Islands will experience drought impacts during the coming weeks. In particular for Saipan, the drawdown of fresh water resources could be a problem in the next few weeks to months. Vegetation will dry out and a severe wildfire season could develop, especially where debris from Super Typhoon Yutu remains.

Because of the anticipated dry weather, the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is advising the community to take all necessary precautionary measures at this time. All outdoor burning activity is not recommended and should be delayed so as not to cause wildfires and endanger surrounding life and property.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

-CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/

-CNMI Office of the Governor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNMIGov/

-Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralphdlg.torres/

-CNMI Joint Information Center: https://www.facebook.com/JICNMI/

HSEM also encourages residents to download HSEM’s readyCNMI App available for free in the Apple Store or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications.

For more information, contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000 or 664-8000. (PR)

MD: Drought in NMI to worsen

KW: National Weather Service, drought