Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI): Several atolls in the northern RMI experienced extremely dry conditions in the first quarter of 2007, and emergency measures had to be taken to insure adequate drinking water for some islands. Agriculture was severely affected, rain catchment was ineffective, and the quality and quantity of water in the thin lens aquifers on many atolls were threatened. Majuro was placed on severe water restrictions as its main water supply, the 33 million gallon reservoir at the airport, fell to less than 5% of capacity. Fortunately, some heavy rain showers fell across the area in early April, helping to alleviate the severe problems with low water supplies and wilting crops. The three-month total rainfall for some of the atolls in the northern RMI was less than 5 inches!

Climate Outlook: Welcome rains came to the northern RMI in April. Although near normal rainfall is now anticipated for most of the atolls of the RMI, residents of the northern RMI are urged to continue to participate in voluntary water conservation measures in case there should be several weeks of hot, dry weather during May and June. Thereafter, normal summer rains should be experienced on all islands.

Predicted rainfall for the RMI from May 2007 through April 2008 is as follows:

source: UOG-WERI