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Rain fell across several parts of the capital following the start of cloud-seeding operations, according to Radio América Honduras.

Honduras's capital faces a red alert for water shortage even as heavy rains this week threaten flooding, with the mayor warning that about 90% of drainage and stream blockages stem from trash accumulation and abandoned vehicles.

Honduras is experiencing simultaneous floods in some areas and severe drought in others, causing crop failures, water shortages, and economic hardship for farmers who have lost harvests and face difficulty repaying loans.

A tropical wave entering Honduras on Friday, September 18, will bring abundant rainfall nationwide through the weekend, with central and southern regions expecting up to 80 millimeters (about 3 inches) and potentially helping ease Tegucigalpa's ongoing water shortage.

Through July 2026, 10 of 25 weather stations recorded their lowest rainfall since 2022, triggering food insecurity and water rationing across the dry corridor, with experts warning of crisis if rains fail in September and October.

Tegucigalpa's two main reservoirs—La Concepción at 29.85% capacity and Los Laureles at 37.56%—remain at critically low levels due to lack of rainfall, prompting authorities to consider raising the alert level and pursue recovery of 11 wells to bolster water supply.

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'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.

Honduras's emergency agency Copeco widened its drought alert from 60 to 75 municipalities across six departments, warning that El Niño conditions could extend dry spells for weeks and are already straining water supplies and threatening crops and livestock in the dry corridor.

Tegucigalpa is experiencing its driest summer in ten years, with critical water-supply levels prompting UMAPS to implement emergency measures including well drilling, water-truck distribution, rationing, and waste reduction.