PANAMA CITY, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Panama Canal Authority has said it will reduce daily vessel transits through its locks as part of measures to mitigate the effects of El Nino.

A drone photo shows a cargo vessel sailing on the Panama Canal near Panama City, Panama, Aug. 28, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

The authority said on Thursday that lower rainfall in the watershed that feeds Gatun and Alhajuela lakes had affected water availability for canal operations.

Starting Sept. 3, 2026, the number of daily slots at the Neopanamax locks will be adjusted to nine, while daily slots at the Panamax locks will be set at 25. From Sept. 15, daily Panamax slots will be further reduced to 23, the authority said in a statement.

The reduction in daily transits could increase waiting times for vessels arriving without confirmed reservations, it added, recommending that ships use available booking options to avoid prolonged delays.

It also warned that, if necessary, it could temporarily suspend all or part of its Transit Reservation System. If a reserved transit slot is canceled in such cases, vessels will not face penalties, surcharges or cancellation fees.

The authority said the maximum draft of 48 feet, or 14.63 meters, originally scheduled to take effect on Aug. 26, will be postponed until Sept. 2.

A later adjustment of the maximum authorized draft to 47.5 feet, or 14.48 meters, originally scheduled for Sept. 3, will be postponed until Oct. 1.

The Panama Canal will continue closely monitoring weather conditions, water inflows into the watershed and lake levels, said the authority.

A strong El Nino is developing and expected to strengthen during August-October 2026, bringing drier-than-normal conditions to Southern Central America, according to an earlier report published by the World Meteorological Organization on July 31.