increases in May, June, Jiily, August, and September until cloud cover 

 of 8 or 9 is not unusual. 

 U) Wind 



Winds of force 6 occur in every month of the calm season but 

 only before and after squalls. During December, January, and 

 February the trade winds maintain a rather high level of force, and 

 winds of force 8 are encountered, sometimes continuing for days. The 

 trade winds begin in the northern Marshalls about a half a month 

 earlier than they do in the southern part of the archipelago. 



The trades blow from the northeast or east, while during the calm 

 season the winds are from the southeast and east. It must also not be 

 forgotten that there are dangerous west winds in this area. 



(5) Rainfall 



The Marshalls have the greatest rainfall of any of the South Sea 

 islands. (For example, A,S^O mm at Ebon I., /!^,600 mm at Namorik I., 

 A, 300 mm at Jaluit, and 4., 200 mm at Mille. ) In general rainfall is 

 more abundant in the southern part and comparatively light in the 

 north. At Bikar and Pokaaku, for example, a great deal of rain some- 

 times falls all at one time, but such rains may come only a few times 

 during a whole year. The dry season lasts through December, January, 

 February, and March, while June, July, August, and September comprise 

 the rainy season. This general seasonal pattern does not change from 

 year to year. 



(6) Sea temperature 



There is no great variation throughout the year, and the tempera- 

 tures in general range around 28-29° C. 



(7) Tides 



The range of the tides is about 7 feet. At m.ost of the islands 

 the tidal currents run at a velocity of 5 knots, Ebon Atoll having the 

 swiftest tidal current with 6 knots. The tidal currents, like the 

 surface currents, run to the westward. In the calm season their maxi- 

 mum velocity is about 2 knots. 



(8) Surface c\irrents 



The surface currents ruri to the westward, but between 3 and 8 

 north latitude easterly currents are sometimes encountered. (This 

 phenomenon is also shown on the charts. ) 



(9) Waves 



It goes without saying that the height of the waves depends on 

 the force of the wind. 

 (II) Diurnal changes 



(1) Air temperature 



The highest temperatures of the day are between one and two o'cladc 

 in the afternoon. The lowest temperatures occur between one and two 

 o'clock in the morning. The lowest (in the whole year) is from 20*^ to 

 21° C. Morning and evening temperatures are 26° to 27° C. (in May and 

 June), and are extremely comfortable. 



(2) Barometric pressure 



Not known at present. 



(3) Weather 



Clear skies generally prevail in the dry season, but during the 

 rainy season it is thought that there is little change in the amount 

 of cloud cover throughout the day. 



