Guayaquil experiences heavy rainfall exceeding monthly averages

Heavy rainfall hit Guayaquil and several coastal provinces in Ecuador, including Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, and Manabí, on August 17. In the Sergio Toral sector of Guayaquil, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) recorded up to 35 mm of precipitation, a figure significantly higher than the typical August monthly average of 2 to 3 mm.

Inamhi officials stated that the rain was triggered by a change in wind circulation that brought moisture from western Colombia into Ecuador. This moisture combined with prevailing warm temperatures in the coastal region to form clouds and heavy precipitation, causing flooding in various parts of the city.

While there is anticipation regarding the El Niño phenomenon, Inamhi clarified that these specific rains are due to short-term meteorological conditions rather than El Niño, which is expected to become evident in late 2026 or early 2027. The institute noted that occasional rain episodes may continue in some coastal sectors in the coming weeks.