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Exceptional drought continues for the CNMI
A relatively dry pattern is expected to persist a couple more weeks across the Marianas.
According to a “drought statement” released by CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, rainfall will be below-adequate the next two weeks with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall expected the next 10 days across the Marianas. This will do little to relieve drought conditions, particularly for Tinian and Saipan, which remain within the “Exceptional Drought” category.
The statement said that rainfall has been patchy for Guam and the CNMI the last few weeks.
“Rainfall so far this month has been 40-50% of normal. Deep tropical moisture has kept south of Guam the last couple weeks despite a couple disturbances passing nearby. A wet trade-wind pattern continues to provide steady showers to some islands across the region. Disturbances embedded in the trade flow and a favorable upper-level wind pattern have maintained steady showers across Yap state south of Ulithi.
“Showers continue to be spottier across islands of northern Chuuk state and the northern Marshalls as fragments of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and trade disturbances pass overhead.
“…A dry trade-wind pattern is still anchored across the Marianas. …Despite this, officials across the CNMI report water levels are still above thresholds for concern.” (PR)
