Republic of Palau: Most locations in Palau were wetter than normal during the 3rd Quarter of 2005 reversing a trend of drier conditions during the first half of 2005. Some of the tropical cyclones that have formed so far in 2005 have passed to north of Palau, contributing to the rainfall there. At the WSO in Koror, the rainfall total of 57.01 inches during the 3rd Quarter of 2005 was one of the highest recording stations in Micronesia. This total was 127% of normal for the 3-month period. The rainfall at WSO Koror and at the Palau International Airport (located a few miles from WSO Koror) was heaviest in July when approximately 25 inches of rain fell at both locations. On average, July is the wettest month of the year at the Koror WSO. Farther south, at Peleliu (at the southern end of the Palau Islands group), the 3rd Quarter rainfall was a bit drier than at Koror. The 3-month total of 45.32 inches was 102% of normal.

Climate Outlook:

Rainfall is expected be slightly wetter than normal for the next three months and near normal thereafter. This is due to the monsoon and a few tropical cyclones forming in the basin for the rest of 2005 through January 2006. These cyclones are likely to pass north of Palau and, along with the monsoon, contribute to slightly wetter than normal conditions in Palau.

A direct strike by a typhoon is not likely to occur in Palau during 2005. However, westerly gales may occur one or two times due to tropical cyclones passing north of Palau during the period November 2005 through January 2006

. Predicted rainfall for Palau from November 2005 through October 2006 is as follows: