Starting September 3, the number of ships that can pass through the Panama Canal will decrease. Instead of the usual 36 ships passing through each day, the number will drop to 34 and then further to 32. This change comes as a response to the impact of El Niño, a climate phenomenon that causes warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, often leading to drier conditions in some regions. The Panama Canal is a critical waterway that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, allowing ships to avoid the longer route around South America. It plays a vital role in global trade, moving goods such as oil, grain, and containers across the world. However, the canal relies on a steady water supply, which is affected by rainfall patterns in the region. El Niño has led to reduced rainfall in Panama, affecting the water levels in the canal. Lower water levels can limit the size of ships that can pass through safely, as larger vessels require more water depth to navigate without running aground. To manage this, the Panama Canal Authority has decided to reduce the number of daily ship passages, ensuring that the canal continues to operate safely and efficiently under the current conditions. This adjustment is temporary and will be reviewed as weather patterns change. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may adjust the number of ship passages again in the future based on rainfall and water levels. For now, the reduction aims to balance the needs of global shipping with the challenges posed by the current climate conditions.