SAIPAN — A quieter weather pattern is in place across the Marianas with spotty showers and a couple of thunderstorms expected Tuesday, the National Weather Service Guam said in its weekly regional outlook.
A drier trade wind pattern will set up mid to late week before trades increase again this weekend, NWS Guam Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett said. Combined seas of 3 to 6 feet are expected the next few days, building to between 5 and 7 feet this weekend.
A moderate risk of rip currents remains along north and east-facing reefs and beaches of the Marianas.
There are no weather, sea or surf advisories in effect regionally.
INVEST 96W NEAR YAP
NWS Guam is watching a tropical disturbance near Yap, designated Invest 96W. The disturbance is bringing showers and thunderstorms to Yap State and possibly Palau over the next couple of days.
Invest 96W is rated “sub low” for development, meaning development is not expected in the coming days, Aydlett said. The system has had two prior designations as it tracks slowly westward. A week ago, it was known as Invest 94W near Kosrae before being closed. It was reopened as Invest 95W near Chuuk, closed again, and reopened Tuesday morning as Invest 96W for closer observation.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Hagupit sit just outside the NWS Guam Area of Responsibility, west of 130 degrees east longitude. No other suspect areas for tropical cyclone development are present across the region.
NWS Guam noted that the Climate Prediction Center’s two-to-three-week Global Tropics Hazards Outlook still indicates heightened potential for tropical cyclone activity in the region.
DROUGHT AND OUTLOOK
Abnormally dry conditions persist across Palau and western Yap State in the U.S. Drought Monitor’s May 7 weekly drought assessment. Tropical Storm Hagupit brought rainfall to the region last week, and a showery pattern in the coming weeks will provide additional relief, Aydlett said.
NWS Guam invited impact reports and feedback from islands and atolls across the region, particularly where water shortages may still be ongoing.
