Republic of Palau: Palau was drier than normal during the first half of 2005, and wetter than normal for the second half of 2005, yielding an annual total for 2005 that was wetter than normal. The WSO Koror had a 2005 annual rainfall total of 166.50 inches (113% of normal). Annual Rainfall amounts were less at Nekken (138.13 inches), and Peleliu (114.23 inches).
Because of the westward shift in tropical cyclone formation during 2005, Palau was in the path of many of the basins tropical disturbances, some of which became tropical cyclones when near the Philippines or in the South China Sea. This tendency should continue, with Palau experiencing abundant rain from tropical disturbances.

Climate Outlook:

Dry conditions in Palau during the first half of 2005 were consistent with the end of El Niño. Then, in the latter half of the year, wet conditions prevailed as the climate trended towards weak La Niña. If weak La Niña conditions persist through much of 2006, then the formation region of tropical cyclones should be pushed westward, and Palau will be affected by many tropical disturbances that will contribute to abundant rainfall. In general, most tropical storms and typhoons that move past Palau stay well to the north, but westerly gales, heavy rain showers, and rough seas are often experienced as they move by. During 2006, there should be several episodes of heavy rainfall and 2 or 3 occurrences of gusty westerly winds and rough seas from tropical cyclones passing to the north, as the focus of the basin’s tropical cyclone activity is shifted to the west of normal.

Based on the development of weak La Niña conditions during the first half of 2006, rainfall should be wetter than normal for most months of the year.

Predicted rainfall for Palau from January 2006 through December 2006 is as follows: