Marianas to see below normal rainfall through mid-March

The National Weather Service said the Marianas, along with other U.S. affiliated islands, can expect below normal rainfall throughout this month, which would worsen drought conditions in the region.

The NWS stated in its most recent regional weather report that severe drought continues to spread across the region due to below normal rainfall.

“Below-normal rainfall is expected for most of the region the next few weeks, with the exception of islands closest to the equator. This will allow drought conditions to worsen for most locations in the coming weeks,” NWS states.

However, as far as weather goes, the Marianas can expect pleasant weather conditions, with partly cloudy skies, moderate trade winds of 10 to 15 mph, and only spotty light showers through the weekend.

“The large seas and surf late last week have subsided, with a moderate risk of rip currents now expected along north, west and east facing reefs and beaches, and combined seas of 5 to 8 feet,” NWS adds.

NWS warns that a fire weather watch is possible if daytime winds are stronger than currently forecast due to the lack of rainfall.

In related news, NWS reports that Palau and Yap can also expect fair weather to persist through the weekend.

“Breezy winds today at Palau will subside tonight and Wednesday as a nearby surface trough moves away from the region,” said NWS.

Farther east at Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Majuro, fair weather will also persist across the region through the weekend.

“Islands along and south of 5N could see spotty showers through Wednesday; this includes Kosrae. Surging trades will keep seas and surf elevated for much of this region through the weekend, with the strongest winds likely across the Marshall Islands. Hazardous surf and small craft advisories are in effect for islands of eastern FSM and RMI,” said NWS.

Weather advisory