Marianas experiences extreme drought

Just one week since the National Weather Service reported that the drought situation in the Marianas was severe, as of yesterday it has reported that drought conditions have intensified to the extreme.

Last week, NWS’ weekly regional outlook report stated that the Marianas remains in D-2 (or severe drought). However, it added that drought conditions will only continue to worsen due to ongoing dry weather conditions.

As of yesterday, NWS reports that drought in the Marianas has intensified to D-3 conditions (or extreme drought).

Meanwhile, D-4 (or exceptional drought) persists across islands of Yap State and Majuro, and the northern Marshall Islands.

“Extreme to exceptional drought persists across the Marianas, Yap State and the northern Marshall Islands. Much-needed rainfall continues to fall across the region south of 8N, including Palau, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Majuro. Yap, Ulithi and Fais could see some showers now through Wednesday morning as a disturbance passes by to the south, but overall dry weather will prevail in the coming weeks,” said NWS.

In addition, NWS warns about an ongoing wildfire threat.

“A high wildfire threat remains for islands in ongoing dry conditions, particularly the Marianas and Yap Proper. Remember; all wildfires in our region are human-caused, and conditions are particularly dangerous during prolonged dry, sunny weather, and windy conditions,” NWS reported.

As for weather conditions, NWS stated that a dry trade-wind pattern will persist through the weekend with only a few light showers and moderate trades.

“Moderate trades and combined seas of 4 to 6 feet will prevail through the weekend for the coastal waters, with a moderate risk of rip currents along north and east facing reefs. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for [the Marianas] due to a very high fire danger. This is due to gusty daytime winds, low humidity, and ongoing dry conditions. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly and 8N,” said NWS.

Meanwhile on Saipan, over a handful of fires have been reported in the past month.

Just last week, multiple forest fires across the island were reported with a large forest fire reported in Tanapag.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, in a previous statement, encourages community members to be cautious especially when burning as all it takes is a small spark to ignite a uncontrollable fire.

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