Federated States of Micronesia

Kosrae State:During the 3rd Quarter of 2005, rainfall totals on Kosrae were slightly drier than normal. The 3-month rainfall total of 40.98 inches at the Kosrae SAWRS (located at the airport on the north side of the island) was 81% of normal. Rainfall on the south side of the island at Utwa was a bit wetter than at SAWRS. At the Nautilus Hotel (on the east side of the island), the rainfall was the driest among the recording stations during July and September.

Climate Outlook:

The tropical cyclone distribution during 2005 has been shifted to the west of normal, and therefore, no tropical storms or typhoons should adversely affect Kosrae. Kosrae is located close enough to the equator so that a direct strike by a strong tropical storm or a typhoon is usually very unlikely in any case. During El Niño years the odds (however small) of a tropical storm or typhoon affecting Kosrae are increased. One of the worst typhoons to hit Kosrae in recorded history was in 1905, which was an El Niño year.

Based on the continuation of ENSO Neutral conditions for the remainder of 2005 into early 2006, rainfall at Kosrae should average near normal for the next year.

Predicted rainfall for Kosrae State from November 2005 through October 2006 is as follows: