Republic of Palau

Republic of Palau: Conditions at Palau were wetter than normal during the first half of 2004, but have recently become quite dry. The total rainfall at Koror of 19.54 inches for the 3 months of August, September and October was only 48% of normal. August was extremely dry at Palau (in sharp contrast with the extreme wetness in August throughout much of the rest of Micronesia) with only 3.94 inches (26%) at Koror, 4.94 inches (33%) at Peleliu, 6.25 inches (42%) at the Mariculture Center, and 5.48 inches (37%) at the Palau International Airport. During June, July, August, September, and October, the rainfall recorded at Koror was 20.73 inches (120%), 18.73 inches (104%), 3.94 inches (26%), 7.68 inches (65%), and 7.92 inches (57%), respectively. The 5-month total of 59.00 inches was 78% of normal. At Peleliu (about a 20-mile boat ride through the Rock Islands to the south of Koror) the rainfall during June, July, August, September, and October was 14.65 inches (86%), 9.71 inches (55%), 4.94 inches (33%), 6.59 inches (56%), and 5.48 inches (40%), respectively. The 5-month total of 41.37 inches was 55% of normal.

The recent dry conditions at Palau are consistent with the onset of a weak El Niño. This dryness is expected to continue for the next three to six months. The reduction of rainfall is not expected to be severe. A direct strike by a typhoon is not likely to occur in Palau during the remainder of 2004 into January of 2005.