Drought

Climate experts warn that El Niño strengthening could prolong the dry season (canícula) from its usual six weeks to 45–60 days, reducing rainfall by 40–60% and straining water supplies, agriculture, and hydroelectric power across Honduras, with Tegucigalpa's reservoirs at critical levels.

Authorities are considering upgrading drought alerts from green to yellow for 75 municipalities in the Dry Corridor and possibly adding 40 more, as recent rains have failed to reverse critical water deficits affecting drinking water, agriculture, and forest-fire risk.

Tegucigalpa is confronting its worst water shortage on record as prolonged rainfall deficits have drained the city's two main reservoirs to critical levels, forcing authorities to tighten rationing.

A UNAH researcher warns that 750,000 Hondurans face severe food insecurity in July–August, while 1.4 million more experience moderate insecurity, with drought and flooding threatening to worsen the crisis.

Tegucigalpa faces a severe drought, with its two main reservoirs at critical levels (Los Laureles at 39.88% capacity, La Concepción at 35.19%), prompting authorities to tighten rationing for 1.6 million people and warning reserves could be exhausted by late August without significant rainfall.

Tegucigalpa faces a water deficit of roughly 100 million cubic meters, and officials say the planned San José dam, though helpful, will not meet the capital's growing demand; authorities are contracting private wells and studying water transfers from other regions.

Tegucigalpa faces a critical water emergency with the Los Laureles Reservoir at 35% capacity and supplies guaranteed only until August 23 unless heavy rains arrive, forcing residents to rely on water trucks and rationing.

A prolonged dry spell is devastating agriculture across six municipalities in southern La Paz Department, prompting local leaders to call on the government for emergency aid to farmers.

Fenagh, the national farm federation, warns that irregular rainfall and the imminent onset of the mid-July dry season could slash agricultural output by up to 30 percent, with current losses already at 20 percent.

Honduras's emergency agency COPECO keeps a green alert in place across municipalities in the Dry Corridor due to insufficient rainfall, warning that 144 other municipalities could be added if drought conditions persist.

Honduras's basic food basket jumped 800 lempiras (about $32) in a year, a 6.16% increase driven by higher meat and fruit costs, while drought affecting 75 municipalities threatens to push 2.8 million Hondurans into food insecurity by year's end.

The government approved imports of corn, beans, and rice to manage domestic supply and control prices amid drought, while the agriculture ministry pursues higher-yield rice seeds to boost national production.

Prices for vegetables and legumes at Tegucigalpa's Feria del Agricultor have risen sharply—potatoes up 2 lempiras per pound, broccoli up 5, and red onions up 10–20—as drought in major farming zones like Lepaterique has cut production.

Erandique, Lempira, has received no rain for 18 days, causing severe damage to crops in low-lying areas, and officials are considering declaring an agricultural emergency.

Tegucigalpa's mayor warned the capital could hit a critical water shortage by late August, with reservoirs Los Laureles at 40.5% and Concepción at 37%, while the San José dam — 48% complete — is not expected online until early 2028.

Engineer Dulio Medina cautioned that Honduras faces a possible shortage of beans and other staple grains after drought and planting failures in Olancho and El Paraíso reduced crop supply for coming weeks.

A month-long drought has cut crop yields across key farming regions and pushed vegetable prices sharply higher at Tegucigalpa's main produce market, with merchants warning of further increases if rains do not return.

Honduras's emergency agency announced humanitarian assistance for about 75 municipalities hit by drought and delayed rains, with food distribution starting in late July, targeting the hardest-hit zones in the Dry Corridor.

Tegucigalpa's municipal water authority says thousands of households will continue receiving water only once per week as reservoir levels remain near 40% capacity and fall further due to lack of rain, with officials warning rationing may worsen if precipitation does not return soon.

La Ceiba is experiencing acute water shortages as the Danto River drops to minimal levels and frequent power cuts damage pumping equipment, forcing residents to queue at public taps or wait for water during early mornings.

Drought, soaring prices for seeds and fertilizer, and limited access to credit are cutting production of Honduras's staple grains, corn and beans, officials warn.

A grain producer warns that an extended dry season from mid-July through early October, driven by climate change and El Niño, could reduce maize and bean output by roughly two million quintals (about 90,000 metric tons) in the dry corridor, deepening food insecurity for subsistence farming families.

Tegucigalpa's capital city will receive piped water only once weekly as reservoirs drop, with the municipal water utility expanding free tank deliveries to neighborhoods while seeking alternative sources to sustain service until September rains.

Agricultural leaders recommend Honduran smallholder farmers postpone planting until at least September due to a prolonged dry season and a forecast 40% rainfall deficit linked to a strong El Niño pattern, which threatens six drought-vulnerable departments.

An agricultural leader in Olancho expressed alarm over a severe drought threatening dry-season plantings and grain production, calling the current conditions unprecedented and warning of potential food-security risks.

A forestry engineer warns that El Niño arriving earlier than usual from June through September will reduce water supplies for drinking and power generation, harm planting of beans and corn, and increase wildfire risk across Honduras.

Honduras's weather agency warns that El Niño, confirmed by NOAA, could extend into early 2027 and cause a prolonged dry season with rainfall deficits exceeding 40% in parts of the country, threatening corn and bean production and food prices in vulnerable regions.

Honduras's atmospheric agency confirmed the onset of an extreme El Niño phase, potentially bringing prolonged drought, high temperatures, and water scarcity that could affect agriculture, livestock, hydroelectric power, and drinking water for millions of Hondurans over the next year.

Beef prices in Honduras have climbed 4 lempiras over two weeks due to livestock shortages caused by drought and reduced pastureland, with vendors absorbing much of the increase to hold retail prices at roughly 100 lempiras per pound (about $4).

Honduras's National Risk and Contingency Secretariat will analyze 75 municipalities in the Dry Corridor already under alert due to El Niño-linked low rainfall, evaluating whether to adjust or expand warnings as the critical rainy months approach.