Health Politics Country 2026-04-14T01:09:39+00:00

False Reports of 'Super Niño' in Panama for 2026 Debunked

Panamanian authorities have debunked rumors of a 'meganiño' arriving in 2026. According to meteorologists, conditions remain neutral, but there is a 60% chance of El Niño developing in the summer months. Authorities urge not to trust unverified information on social media.


False Reports of 'Super Niño' in Panama for 2026 Debunked

The constant monitoring of weather conditions in the country continues. In Panama, the presence of El Niño usually translates to less rain in the Pacific and more precipitation in the Caribbean, although this does not mean it will stop raining. The supposed arrival of a “meganiño” or “Super Niño” in 2026 circulating on social networks is incorrect. This was clarified by the director of the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama, Luz Graciela de Calzadilla, who explained that for now, conditions remain neutral, according to the monitoring of temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. The key reference is the tracking that NOAA does, which has not yet recorded sufficient values to officially declare an El Niño phenomenon. However, forecasts point to a 60% probability that the event will develop between the months of June, July, and August. From the entity, they indicate that talking about an extreme or high-intensity event is irresponsible, as the behavior of the phenomenon still does not allow defining whether it will be strong or weak. Even so, authorities insist on not being swayed by unsupported information circulating on social networks. The rainy season remains within what is expected, although it could have an early end if the phenomenon strengthens. It was also recalled that these events can last between 12 and 18 months, so if it develops, its presence could be felt at least until the end of the year.