College of Northern Marianas Photo: RNZ Pacific/Mark Rabago
The Marianas is expected to see an increase in gusty trade winds throughout the week, which could lead to a rapid spread of fires.
The Guam National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning with winds expected to hamper the entire Micronesia region for the next few days.
This means the fire danger is very high.
The Marianas and the rest of Micronesia are encouraged to keep up to date with all the marine and surf advisories for the region.
The Marianas is expected to see an increase in gusty trade winds throughout the week, which could potentially lead to a rapid spread of fires.
According to National Weather Service (NWS) in Guam, winds and waves will be the primary concerns for the week ahead for the entire Micronesia region.
This means the fire danger is very high.
"More immediately, for the Marianas, Yap and Palau, a descending shear line will bring rising choppy seas dominated by a shorter-period northeast swell and wind waves and a longer-period north swell. The shear line (narrow band of cloudiness) will slowly drop into the lower Marianas, bringing increasing cloudiness and patchy showers, though accumulation will be sight," NWS said.
Because of the increase in trade winds, NWS warns that fire will spread more quickly and could be a concern.
"Fire concerns will be elevated due to the stronger, gusty trades and low potential for wetting rains. With the anticipated winds the next few days, the fire danger is very high and a red flag warning is in effect," the weather service said.
However, these concerns will shift east starting Thursday.
"Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend, the marine concern shifts to east Micronesia.
"Strong northerly winds associated with an east-moving storm well north of Wake Island will generate large northerly swell that will likely reach the Wake Island area Wednesday, then continue southward between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
It said people on exposed north-facing islands and atolls should be aware of the changing sea conditions later this week and the potential for some inundation.
