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Dry season continues in Marianas
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Posted on Jun 18 2019
The National Weather Service based on Tiyan, Guam reports that the post El Nino dry weather pattern will persist with the Marianas remaining much drier than normal.
According to the NWS, the weather over the Marianas will be relatively dry for the next few weeks although a few widespread showers have already occurred in June. Wind flow patterns have also slowly started to change and are helping spread rainfall over the region.
NWS said that among the Mariana Islands, Saipan in particular should remain prepared for drought conditions.
“Drought will persist but a few showers will develop in the coming weeks. Lower rainfall amounts are likely for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Computer models indicate rainfall of a quarter inch to a half inch in the next week and rainfall amounts near 1 inch during the next two weeks,” the report stated.
Computer models, NWS reported, are indicating some relief as wind flow patterns change and patchy showers start to develop near and over northern locations in Micronesia like the Mariana Islands, however, relief from the drought reportedly will still be a long process.
Fortunately, rainfall in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has improved a little recently according to NWS. However, rainfall may be below normal through June.
“A few passing showers are expected to continue. Rainfall has been very low over the Commonwealth since January and rainfall may be below normal through June at least. For Saipan, the draw-down of fresh water resources will still be a problem during the next few weeks [and] fire danger may still be extreme over parts of the Northern Mariana Islands,” the NWS report stated.
