Figure 1 (a) 1st Quarter 2008 rainfall totals (in inches) and (b) anomaly (expressed as percent of normal) at indicated island stations. Red line indicates normal (100% of average) rainfall, and red circles indicate locations with less than 75% of normal rainfall. Saipan average values are very low during these months and just a little extra rain can greatly affect the percentages. The above normal rainfall for Nukuoro, Kosrae and Mili is normal for La Niña periods due to the persistence of the trade wind trough between 4 - 6º N especially in the eastern part of the basin.