AN "unusually dry rainy season" in the Panama Canal watershed has resulted in consideration to draft restrictions by the authorities in the month of April.
In current dry conditions, Lakes Gatun and Alajuela are not reaching their optimum water levels before to the beginning of the 2016 dry season period.
The 2015 Canal Watershed Runoff recorded the second worst in a history of 103 years of systematic hydrological information, reports GAC Hot Port News.
Rainfall during 2015 was 36 per cent below average and during the last 29 months, 26 of those recorded showers were below normal.
Gatun Lake's level is currently at 81.75 feet (25 metres), the lowest on record for this time of the year.
"Based on weather forecasts and water consumption estimates for the upcoming months, the Panama Canal is anticipating the possibility that some time during April 2016 draft restrictions may be imposed to transiting vessels," said a statement from the Panama Canal Authority.
In current dry conditions, Lakes Gatun and Alajuela are not reaching their optimum water levels before to the beginning of the 2016 dry season period.
The 2015 Canal Watershed Runoff recorded the second worst in a history of 103 years of systematic hydrological information, reports GAC Hot Port News.
Rainfall during 2015 was 36 per cent below average and during the last 29 months, 26 of those recorded showers were below normal.
Gatun Lake's level is currently at 81.75 feet (25 metres), the lowest on record for this time of the year.
"Based on weather forecasts and water consumption estimates for the upcoming months, the Panama Canal is anticipating the possibility that some time during April 2016 draft restrictions may be imposed to transiting vessels," said a statement from the Panama Canal Authority.