Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the low-level wind flow (arrows) in the western North Pacific basin during the late summer of 2001. The axis of the monsoon trough (dashed line) extended eastward into Micronesia in July and August, bringing much rain to Palau, Yap, Guam, and the CNMI. During late August and into September the axis of the trough moved northward and a weak high (H) and a ridge of high pressure (zig-zag line) persisted in the Caroline Islands bringing very hot and dry conditions to Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae for many days.