Republic of Palau: During the 3rd quarter of 2006, the rainfall throughout most of Palau was above normal. July was particularly wet with monthly rainfall near or above 20 inches at some locations (23.81 inches at the Airport, and 24.21 inches at Nekken Forestry). The driest 3 rd quarter total was reported from Peleliu with 34.40 inches (63% of the value at the WSO). Palau has a complex pattern of monthly rainfall with the highest average rainfall in the months of June and July; the lowest average rainfall in the months of February, March and April; and a secondary minimum in September. The annual migration of the monsoon trough across Palau — and the paths taken by tropical cyclones in response to the position of the monsoon trough — govern the behavior of the mean monthly rainfall on Palau.

Climate Outlook:

In general, most tropical storms and typhoons that move past Palau stay well to the north, causing westerly gales, heavy rain showers, and rough seas as they move by. During the remainder of 2006 and through January 2007, there should be 2 or 3 more brief episodes of heavy rainfall, gusty westerly winds and rough seas from tropical cyclones passing to the north.

Because of the El Niño event that began in the 2nd half of 2006, rainfall throughout Palau is anticipated to fall below normal during November and December of 2006, and possibly fall substantially below normal from February 2007 through April of 2007. Thereafter, the rainfall should return to near normal. Residents of the Republic of Palau should begin water conservation measures by the end of November, and make all reasonable repairs and routine maintenance to rain catchments and other drinking water infrastructure. At this time, the dry conditions are not expected to be as bad as those experienced during 1998.

Predicted rainfall for Palau from November 2006 through October 2007 is as follows:  

source: UOG-WERI