In Alaska, abnormally dry areas expanded in the north and central portions of the state with some reduction in the Kenai Peninsula where there has been an abundance of snow recently.
In Hawaii, a couple days of decent rain over east and southeast Big Island from the Hilo area to South Point, continuing the good rainfall from the Kona low the weekend before. With this continued rain, moderate drought was improved in South Point on the Big Island. Improvement to moderate drought was also made in the South Kohala District of the Big Island (including Honokaia, Puukapu, Nienie, Waimea Town) where water restriction reduced from 25% reduction to 10% due to recent rains refilling the Waikoloa Reservoirs to a satisfactory level.
This week, light to moderate rainfall was observed across most areas of the Marshall Islands, except for Kwajalein, which experienced a more intense rainfall event. Kwajalein recorded a total of 7.15 inches of rain for the week, including 4.97 inches on January 9, 2025. As a result, Kwajalein has improved from abnormally dry conditions to being drought-free. Majuro and Mili received 1.87 inches and 1.51 inches of rain this week, respectively, and remain free of drought conditions. Although Ailinglapalap and Jaluit reported minimal rainfall (0.07 inches and no rainfall, respectively), both islands remain drought-free due to the wet conditions experienced in previous weeks. In contrast, Wotje and Utirik received rainfall amounts of 0.63 and 0.57 inches, respectively, which keep them in short-term abnormally dry conditions.
Rainfall in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) this week exhibited significant spatial variability. This week, Chuuk Lagoon experienced 2.62 inches of rainfall, while Pohnpei received 3.38 inches. Woleai recorded 1.4 inches of rain due to persistent convective activity. The rainfall totals for other locations are as follows: Kapingamarangi received 0.26 inches, Kosrae had 0.43 inches, Lukunor recorded 0.73 inches (with one day of missing data), Nukuoro received 0.36 inches, and Yap recorded 0.78 inches. In contrast, Pingelap reported no rainfall (with three days of missing data), continuing its abnormally dry conditions.
American Samoa is currently in its tropical wet season, experiencing near-normal rainfall conditions this week. Pago Pago recorded 2.18 inches, while Siufaga Ridge measured 0.79 inches and Toa Ridge received 0.65 inches of rain. As a result, American Samoa remains free from drought.
Palau experienced wet weather and heavy rainfall this week. The Weather Service Office in Airai reported 3.48 inches of rain, while Koror recorded 3.51 inches. Consequently, the island is free from drought.
This week, the Mariana Islands experienced intermittent light to moderate rainfall. According to the weekly rainfall report, Guam received 1.96 inches, Rota reported 1.85 inches, and Saipan recorded 0.51 inches. Tinian reported 0.18 inches of rain, although data for four days is still pending. Since January is usually part of the dry season and given the recent wet conditions, the Mariana Islands are currently free from drought.
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