October deluge brings Panama Canal lake levels back towards normal
Source
American Shipper
Post Date
11/09/2026
A surprisingly wet October has brought much-needed relief to the Panama Canal, with Gatun Lake recovering to near its historical average despite warnings that a powerful El Ni? could trigger another prolonged drought. New research from Ursa Shipbrokers, drawing on Panama Canal Authority data, shows Gatun Lake averaged 85.80 ft (26.15 m) over the first 30 days of October, just 0.15 ft below its historical October average. The recovery is particularly striking compared with 2023, when severe drought crippled canal operations. October? average was 6.04 ft higher than the corresponding month three years ago. The turnaround follows an unusually prolonged decline in lake levels, which continued until August this year rather than bottoming out in May, as is normally the case. Rainfall statistics underline the improvement. Data compiled from the canal authority? meteorological stations show 303.3 mm of rain fell across the watershed between October 1 and 29, 8.4% above the 30-year average and 83.6% more than during the same period in drought-stricken 2023. By October 29, Gatun Lake? daily level had reached 86.56 ft, up from an August low of 83.80 ft. Improved conditions have allowed the canal authority to reverse some restrictions. From October 15, daily transit availability increased to 33 vessels, while the maximum neopanamax draft was raised to 49 ft. The authority has also reinstated last-minute reservations for panamax vessels. Nevertheless, the drought threat has not disappeared. Rainfall since May remains almost 20% below average, following a particularly dry summer when watershed inflows were 44% below normal. With El Ni? fore to persist into 2027, the coming dry season will test whether October? welcome soaking has provided sufficient protection against another round of restrictions.
