Above-normal precipitation fell in parts of southeast Alaska this week, while the rest of the state was mostly drier than normal. Temperatures in southeast and south-central Alaska were mostly within 5 degrees of normal. Elsewhere, temperatures were mainly 5-15 degrees colder than normal, except for the North Slope, where temperatures ranged from 10-25 degrees colder than normal. Alaska remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week.
An active trade wind pattern continued this week, leading to wet weather on the windward (northeast facing) slopes of the islands, while the leeward (southwest facing) slopes generally had drier weather. Temperatures in Hawaii were mostly within 2-3 degrees of normal. On the Big Island, the trade wind rainfall pattern led to some improvements to ongoing drought and abnormal dryness in northern portions of the island. On Kauai, abnormal dryness coverage was reduced in the southeast, while a small area of short-term moderate drought developed in the southwest portion of the island, which saw drier weather again this week. No other changes were made in Hawaii this week.
Precipitation was low for the Republic of Palau, with Koror and Palau IAP receiving 0.45 inches and 0.62 inches, respectively, but abundant rainfall the previous week should leave water supplies adequate.
The Mariana Islands all remained in drought with Guam in severe drought (D2-S), Rota in moderate drought (D1-S), and Saipan at D2-S. Guam received 0.44 inches, while Rota reported 0.38 inches. Saipan received 0.41 inches or less at the three reporting locations. These islands need an inch weekly to meet minimum water needs.
The Federated States of Micronesia were largely quite dry. President Wesley Simina declared a national emergency due to severe drought, which is expected to worsen in coming months, as reported by Radio New Zealand. For some of the Outer Islands, rain catchment systems and rivers were running dry, leaving the water supply depleted and compromising sanitation and public health. People in the affected communities desperately need food and water. The states of Yap, Pohnpei and Chuuk declared an emergency according to their respective state laws.
Kapingamarangi reported 4.66 inches. Nukuoro got 2.57 inches and returned to normal condition after being abnormally dry (D0-S) for the past three weeks. All other FSM locations received less than half an inch of rain. Chuuk Lagoon, Lukunor, and Pohnpei are abnormally dry (D0) on a short time scale. Woleai is in D1-S and received 0.10 inches for the week. Pingelap, Ulithi, and Yap are at D2-S.
The Marshall Islands all were dry, receiving 0.51 inches or less for the week. Majuro, previously at D0-S, entered D1-S as the location went two weeks without rainfall. All households that rely on rain harvesting and are not connected to city water are out of water and must depend on water delivery from the city reservoirs. As of March 7, Majuro reservoirs were at 23.55 million gallons.
Kwajalein and Wotje remained at D2-S, and got virtually no rain. Jaluit continued at D0-S and reported 0.51 inches.
American Samoa remained free of dryness. Pago Pago, Siufaga Ridge and Toa Ridge received more than 2 inches of rain, which is the amount these islands need to meet minimum water needs.
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