The Panama Canal Authority announced on Thursday that it will limit daily vessel traffic starting September 3. The number of ships allowed to cross will be reduced from 36 to 34.
Further restrictions are scheduled for September 15, at which point the daily limit will drop again to 32 vessels.
These restrictions are due to low water levels in two artificial lakes that feed the canal. The depletion of water supplies has been caused by a severe drought fueled by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
El Nino is expected to increase the likelihood of drought and excess heat across the region, affecting the operation of the vital trade route.