HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Drought conditions on Guam have worsened, according to the National Weather Service, which stressed that a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the island.
The ideal humidity is between 30% and 50%, anything below 30% and the chances increase for dry weather and fire danger, which is what our region is currently experiencing, according to NWS.
“The U.S. Drought Monitor has worsened a couple locations from D2-Severe drought to D3-Extreme Drought. Those locations include Yap proper and Wotje (Republic of the Marshall Islands). Severe drought persists across several other locations, including the Marianas,” the National Weather Service Guam Forecast Office said Friday.
The worsened conditions prompted a Red Flag Warning for Guam “for extreme fire weather danger,” NWS said.
The weather service said the strong, gusty winds, low daytime humidity, ongoing drought and dry conditions were perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
“Avoid outdoor burning,” NWS said.
The Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. Sunday, according to NWS.
While the drought has impacted Guam in terms of reported wildfires, other islands in the region are seeing even greater impact.
A number of islands, including Elato, Satawal and Lamotrek, experienced water scarcity, taro and coconuts reportedly drying up, low water wells or low drinking water.
NWS said a number of organizations are assisting with ongoing efforts to provide aid.
“Organizations include, but are not necessarily limited to, (United States Agency for International Development), (Catholic Relief Services) and (International Organization for Migration). Coordination efforts are underway to get relief supplies, including water, rice, jerry cans and (reverse osmosis) units to islands in need. Assessments are also ongoing across several islands’ impacts and needs,” NWS said.
Grass and trash fires burn on Friday, March 22, 2024, in parts of Tamuning and Dededo.
