Federated States of Micronesia

Pohnpei State: There was a north-south gradient of rainfall across the islands of Pohnpei State during the 1st Quarter of 2006, with the islands located further south generally experiencing more rainfall than those islands and atolls further north. With respect to the Pohnpei WSO, most recording locations on Pohnpei Island and at all other recording locations in the outer islands of Pohnpei State received more rain. The 1st Quarter rainfall total of 46.76 inches at Nukuoro was the highest reading in Pohnpei Stare, followed by 44.78 inches at Kapingamarangi. At most locations throughout Pohnpei State, the month of February was the driest of the first three months of 2006. Pohnpei Island would have had an even drier February if it weren’t for heavy rains at the end of the month.

On the southern atolls of Pohnpei State, the rainfall during the 1st Quarter of 2006 was abundant. Kapingamarangi has been wetter than normal for a long time, and continued to be very wet through the 1st Quarter of 2006.

Primarily as a result of very dry conditions in February 2006, the rainfall at most Pohnpei locations was less than anticipated for the 1st Quarter of 2006. The rainfall at Kapingamarangi, however, continued to exceed expectations. The trade wind trough should migrate slowly northward in April and May. Thus, abundant rains should continue on atolls located farthest south and reach Pohnpei Island by May.

Predicted rainfall for Pohnpei State from May 2006 through April 2007 is as follows: