PANAMA CITY, May 15 (Reuters) – The Panama Canal has announced that it will not impose any vessel passage restrictions for the rest of 2026, even if the El Niño weather pattern, which is expected later this year, leads...
PANAMA CITY, May 15 (Reuters) – The Panama Canal has announced that it will not impose any vessel passage restrictions for the rest of 2026, even if the El Niño weather pattern, which is expected later this year, leads to drought conditions in Central America.
The canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is currently accommodating 38 vessels daily. The demand for passage has increased recently, largely due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict affecting routes like the Suez Canal.
The El Niño phenomenon occurs every two to seven years and is characterized by warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This pattern typically results in wetter winters in some areas of the U.S. while causing reduced rainfall in Central America, often leading to drought.
During the last El Niño, which occurred from 2023 to 2024, Panama, known for its heavy rainfall, experienced a severe drought. This situation led to passage restrictions through the canal and caused lengthy wait times for ships.
The U.S. National Weather Service reported this week that El Niño is expected to develop between May and July, with potential continuation in the Northern Hemisphere from late 2026 to early 2027.
Since 2025, the canal has been implementing water conservation measures in anticipation of the next El Niño, according to its authority. They have maintained the Gatun reservoir levels at historically high points.
The canal authority is carefully monitoring weather forecasts as the rainy season begins in early May to better prepare for the upcoming year.