Republic of Palau: Palau had below normal rainfall during the 3rd Quarter of 2008. The same general pattern of rainfall which occurred throughout Micronesia (a dry July and August followed by a wet September) also occurred at Palau. For most of July and August, the monsoon was weak, absent or displaced well to the north, and there was a notable absence of tropical cyclone activity in the low latitudes of the basin. In fact, a high pressure ridge ran through southern Yap State and Palau during much of the time. During September a few more vigorous and widespread tropical disturbances passed through the western half of Micronesia bringing some episodes of heavy rain showers to many locations including Palau. This helped to boost the September rainfall. The 3rd Quarter total rainfall of 39.37 inches at the WSO Koror was 88% of normal. The rainfall at the International Airport has been consistently heavier than at the Koror WSO, whereas the rainfall at Peleliu is usually lower.

Republic of Palau State Rainfall Summary 3rd Quarter 2008

Climate Outlook: There is a slight risk of a damaging tropical cyclone in the Republic of Palau in November or December of 2008. The level of threat is quite low (less than a 5% chance), but higher than at islands eastward of 140ºE, where there is almost no risk from adverse effects from a tropical storm or typhoon under present conditions. Based on an expected continuation of the current tranquil weather pattern, the rainfall throughout the Republic of Palau should be near normal or slightly wetter than normal for the foreseeable future.

Forecast rainfall for Palau from July 2008 through June 2009 is as follows:

source: UOG-WERI