The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) has declared what it calls a “metrological drought,” calling on members of the public to conserve water.The declaration was made in a statement issued by the Samoa Meteorology Division during the weekend.The warning follows an equally important warning from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A) asking members of the public to be extremely careful given the continuing dry conditions that could lead to forest fires.Some rainfall fell on Saturday and Sunday but it was nowhere near enough.“In light of this, the public is advised to conserve, store and manage water in a sustainable manner. It is also highly recommended for the public to refrain from open burning of rubbish in grass or forest areas during this time”In a statement, M.N.R.E said there has been a lack of decent rainfall over certain areas in the country. These areas include the central and south east of Upolu and east Savai’i.“Over the course of the last few months, the Samoa Climate Early Warning System (C.L.E.W.S) has observed rainfall over the country to be generally lower than average,” the statement said.“A meteorological drought is the first of the four levels of severity or drought definitions. Meteorological drought is defined usually on the basis of the degree of dryness (in comparison to some “normal” or average amount) and the duration of the dry period. The reduced rainfall levels over the country are associated with the current dry season, and compounded by the current phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation.“In our view and assessment of the most recent rainfall observational data, we are satisfied that the north and central region of Upolu (from Saoluafata, Apia to Faleolo) and eastern region of Savai’i (from Maota, Tuasivi to Vaipouli) are now declared to be under a Meteorological Drought (refer Figure 1).“Other areas that includes the south (Safata and Siumu) and south east of Upolu (Falealili and Aleipata) still enjoy isolated rainfall and therefore bordering to drought thresholds but not yet in drought.“These windward areas are more prone to extended dry conditions, and if current dry run continues for few more months, it is likely these areas and/or all of Samoa, will also enter into drought territory.\The advanced climate early warning and forecasts issued to the public to support improved resilience to climate impacts; back in May 2014 anticipating this drought event has allowed for better preparedness across many sectors here in Samoa. Drought impacts in neighbouring Pacific Island countries without any climate early warning system are more profound and severe.\