Panama experienced its lowest rainfall levels from March to August 22 this year, with the wet season from July to August 22 ranking as the sixth driest in two decades due to preceding dry conditions. Everstream Analytics' Chief Meteorologist Jon Davis noted minimal rain and higher temperatures maintaining freshwater lake levels, an anomaly causing vessel restrictions and congestion. The Panama Canal Authority imposed draft and transit limits. Around 117 ships waited for transit on August 24, up from the usual 90, with booked transits taking precedence and unbooked waiting times averaging 9-11 days. Approximately 50 ships had bookings, leaving 67 without.
