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While much of the world is focused on the disruption of shipping traffic near Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, another critical waterway is set to see its flow of ships sharply reduced in the coming weeks: the Panama Canal.

The reason? The ​​El Niño weather phenomenon is creating drought conditions in the region.

​​El Niño is a regular weather pattern that happens every two to seven years. But the effects of the climate crisis are likely making this year’s ​​El Niño more intense than usual.

According to a new study published in Science, El Niños are 36 percent stronger than they were before the industrial age. That includes a 16 percent jump in intensity over just the past 40 years.

In preparation for intensifying drought conditions, the Panama Canal is reducing the number of ships that can pass through. While ordinarily 40 ships enter and exit the canal daily, that number will be lessened to 34 per day for the first half of September. Starting mid-month, that number will go down to just 32 ships per day, a 20 percent reduction.

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