Abu dhabi: The Panama Canal Authority announced new measures on Thursday to manage its water supplies as a precaution against the El Ni±o climate phenomenon, which poses a risk to the crucial commercial waterway.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Authority plans to set a maximum limit on the number of daily transits, beginning in early September, in anticipation of a prolonged El Ni±o season that is expected to lower water levels. From September 4th, the canal will restrict daily transits to 34 vessels, further reducing the number to 32 vessels starting September 15th. This decision comes as the average daily transits through the canal stood at 35 vessels as of June 2026, aligning with demand, although the canal has the capacity for approximately 40 transits per day.

The Authority reported that rainfall from May to August was 34 percent below normal levels, with inflows into the watershed falling 44 percent below average. It cautioned that the anticipated severity of El Ni±o during 2026-2027 could further decrease rainfall, posing a threat to the long-term sustainability of the waterway and domestic water supplies.