Chuuk State:  Most of Chuuk State was relatively dry during the 1st Quarter of 2009, with all rain recording sites throughout the state receiving below normal rainfall totals. In a continued pattern of tranquil weather that has persisted for over two years, nearly all monthly totals at all stations were less than 10 inches. Dry conditions have not caused any serious problems within Chuuk State. However, the repeated sea inundation at many locations in Chuuk State this past December continues to be the main climate issue. Although high surf episodes are over for now, the effects of the salt water washed into taro patches and other low-lying areas in Chuuk will take many more months to recover from.

Chuuk State Rainfall Summary 1st Quarter 2009

Climate Outlook: Based on a slow relaxation of the pattern of anomalous low-level easterly wind, the risk of a tropical storm or typhoon is very unlikely anywhere in Chuuk State through September of 2009. In the months of October through December 2009, the monsoon trough should push eastward into Micronesia to near its normal location. Many of the tropical cyclones of the western North Pacific basin form near the eastern end of the monsoon trough, which is the reason that the area around Chuuk and Pohnpei typically sees an abundance of tropical disturbances, but not many full-fledged tropical storms or typhoons. The rainfall throughout Chuuk State should be abundant for the foreseeable future.

Forecast rainfall for Chuuk State from April 2009 through March 2010 is as follows:

source: UOG-WERI