Lake Titicaca water levels drop 53 centimeters amid drought risks

Lake Titicaca has experienced a water level drop of 53 centimeters between May 1 and October 6, 2026, according to the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senamhi). Experts warn that if precipitation does not recover, the decline could reach 70 centimeters by the end of November.

The primary drivers for this reduction are a deficit in rainfall and higher-than-usual temperatures, which increase evaporation rates across the Puno altiplano. Sixto Flores Sancho, director of Senamhi in Puno, noted that these conditions could persist until March 2027. Meteorological projections suggest that rainfall between January and March 2027 may be approximately 40% below the historical average, significantly increasing the risk of drought in the region.

While recent snow and wind in the area are attributed to seasonal atmospheric systems rather than El Niño, there is a 99% probability that El Niño will extend until March of next year. Daytime temperatures in the altiplano are currently ranging between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius, further facilitating evaporation.