Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI): Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI): The northern atolls of the RMI (Kwajalein, Utirik and Wotje) were the driest locations in Micronesia during the 3rd Quarter of 2005. The 3-month total of 14.27 inches at Wotje was the lowest rainfall recorded in Micronesia. Kwajalein recovered somewhat from very dry conditions in the first half of the year, but the 3rd Quarter total of 23.74 inches was still 73% of normal. Islands further south had more rainfall, which was closer to the normal. Majuro WSO had a 3rd Quarter 2005 total of 36.60 inches or 99% of normal. Only Majuro WSO and Mili had 3rd Quarter rainfall totals in excess of 35 inches.

Climate Outlook:

With tropical cyclones forming well to the west of normal, and the southwest winds of the Asian monsoon also staying west of normal, the RMI has a very low risk of a typhoon through the rest of 2005 and through early 2006.
Based on the continuation of ENSO Neutral conditions for the next several months, rainfall should continue to average below normal in the northern islands for the foreseeable future, and near normal in the central and southern islands with only moderate month to month variation. The northern Marshall Islands should not be as dry for first half of 2006 as they were in the first half of 2005.

Predicted rainfall for the RMI from November 2005 through October 2006 is as follows:

source: UOG-WERI