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Peru Puts Coast on Watch for Weak El Niño Expected From March to October

Officials press preparedness due to risk assessments showing 15.5 million people exposed through April.

Overview

  • Senamhi issued an orange alert on February 2 warning Lima and roughly 20 regions of moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms and winds up to 35 km/h.
  • Sutran reported 25 roads with restricted or blocked transit due to rains and huaicos, with the heaviest disruptions in Junín and additional impacts in Cusco, Huánuco, Lima, Pasco, Ayacucho, Moquegua, Piura and La Libertad.
  • ENFEN projects episodes of moderate to heavy rainfall and above-normal air temperatures on the northern coast, with above-normal flows likely on the Tumbes and Chira rivers in April.
  • Senamhi forecasters expect the rainy period in the north to extend to about April, followed by a warmer-than-normal autumn and a mild winter lasting to October.
  • Economists caution that even a weak event could dent growth in the short term and pressure food prices while hurting fishing, agriculture, transport and tourism.