A Severe Drought in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is experiencing record-breaking heat and dry weather, with the capital city of San Juan recording its driest July in more than 120 years. The drastic lack of rainfall is a result of a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, which heavily suppresses the tropical waves that normally bring late-summer precipitation to the Caribbean. 

To combat critically low levels at the Carraízo reservoir, the government and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority are implementing alternating 48-hour water rationing cycles across seven municipalities—San Juan, Carolina, Trujillo Alto, Gurabo, Juncos, Canóvanas, and Loíza.

The crisis is also hampering the island's lucrative tourism and hospitality industry. Fortunately, major resort properties and tourist accommodations often have backup generators and water-continuity systems.