![\"panama](\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/panama-canal-boat-1200x800-1.webp\")
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Panama Canal Monitors Rainfall Deficits Closely<\/h2>\n
For Panama, the phenomenon’s evolution is closely tracked by the Panama Canal Authority<\/a> due to its potential impact on rainfall feeding Lakes Gat\u00fan and Alajuela. These lakes are the primary water reserves for population supply and ship transit. Ayax Murillo Burgos, Hydrology Manager for the Panama Canal, explained that the institution has already taken preventive measures against the threat of a new dry period associated with El Ni\u00f1o.<\/p>\n “The Panama Canal had its reserves full and immediately, knowing about this threat, began its water savings,” Murillo said during an interview. He noted that conservation measures started in December 2025, when reservoirs reached high levels thanks to a particularly wet season. [Translated from Spanish] According to Murillo, the signals observed this year coincide with international forecasts anticipating the phenomenon’s development. “We already feel that deficiency, but the advantage this year was that the dry season was relatively wet and the Canal kept both reservoirs full for several months,” he indicated. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n “Every drop is valuable. While we have a water deficit<\/strong> associated with El Ni\u00f1o, every citizen can collaborate by saving water. It’s not about helping the Canal, it’s about helping the country.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Canal records show that April closed with water contributions approximately 20 percent below the historical average. May showed a reduction close to 26 percent. The first days of June also reflect precipitation lower than normal. Facing this scenario, the Panama Canal Authority recently notified shipping companies of a reduction in the maximum authorized draft starting July 3, 2026 for Neopanamax vessels, from 50 feet to 49.5 feet. This preventive measure aims to protect water reserves.<\/p>\n Murillo warned that the institution is already modeling scenarios similar to the most severe events in recent history. The most severe of all was the 1997-1998 El Ni\u00f1o. He added that if climate conditions evolve similarly to that episode, it will be necessary to reinforce water saving measures in the locks during the coming months. The Panama Canal water management<\/a> system includes innovative technologies. The new locks have a basin system to recycle water, allowing 60 percent savings. The original locks can save up to 50 percent of water through cross-filling, a system that reuses water from one lock lane to fill the parallel lane.<\/p>\n Despite the elevated probabilities of the phenomenon occurring, NOAA clarified that uncertainty remains regarding El Ni\u00f1o’s intensity. None of the evaluated strength categories currently exceed 37 percent probability. It is not yet possible to determine whether this will be a weak, moderate, or strong event. Specialists note that an intense episode does not automatically guarantee severe impacts in all regions. However, it does increase the probability of alterations in normal rain and temperature patterns.<\/p>\n![\"crossing](\"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/crossing-panama-canal-1004x669-1.webp\")
Historical Comparisons and Water Management Strategies<\/h2>\n