Map released: Thurs. December 12, 2024
Data valid: December 10, 2024 at 7 a.m. EST

Intensity

  • None
  • D0 (Abnormally Dry)
  • D1 (Moderate Drought)
  • D2 (Severe Drought)
  • D3 (Extreme Drought)
  • D4 (Exceptional Drought)
  • No Data

Authors

United States and Puerto Rico Author(s):

Pacific Islands and Virgin Islands Author(s):

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summary for forecast statements.

Statistics

Statistics type ?
Week Date None D0-D4 D1-D4 D2-D4 D3-D4 D4 DSCI

Estimated Population in Drought Areas:

Pacific Drought Summary

Alaska remained free of drought or abnormal dryness this week. Temperatures were warmer than normal across Alaska; most of central Alaska was 12-20 degrees above normal. Precipitation amounts this week were mostly under an inch, with the exception of southeast Alaska.

Weather in Hawaii this week was mostly drier than normal, leading to growing precipitation deficits and decreasing streamflow in many areas. Widespread expansion of drought or abnormal dryness occurred, especially on the Big Island and in windward areas of Oahu, Molokai and Maui. Temperature reports on Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai were mostly near normal or a degree below normal. Temperatures were mostly either near normal or a degree or two warmer than normal on Oahu and the Big Island.

The Republic of Palau received 1.5 inches at Palau IAP and 0.82 inches at Koror COOP. While conditions are still okay, continuing lack of precipitation in the coming weeks could elevate into abnormally dry (D0) conditions as both islands need 2 inches of rain weekly.

The Mariana Islands had low rainfall amounts this past week. Abnormal dryness was introduced to Saipan after it received 0.13 and 0.02 inches at Saipan ASOS and Saipan AMME NPS, respectively. Guam saw 0.88 inches with Agat Bay seeing 1.28 inches, while Rota reported only 0.39 inches. These islands need an inch weekly to meet minimum water needs.

The Federal States of Micronesia were mixed with most locations receiving more than 2 inches, except Yap with 0.76 inches, Pingelap with 1.19 inches, and Utirik with 1.87 inches.

The Marshall Islands all received more than 2 inches of precipitation in the past week. These islands need 2 inches of rain each week to meet minimum water needs. Majuro WSO backfilled the Ulithi and Mili automatic station data back to October 2024 and September 2024 respectively. Ulithi only got 0.48 inches of rain this past week and less than 2 inches each week over the prior 4 weeks, showing conditions supported the introduction of abnormal dryness (D0).

American Samoa remained free of dryness as Siufaga Ridge and Toa Ridge each received 3 or more inches of rain. Pago Pago missed out on much of the rain, only receiving 0.88 inches.

Full Summary

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