The National Council of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) reported that in a meeting held this Friday, May 22, 2026, it made the decision to raise the areas with greater susceptibility to possible impacts associated with the lack of rain and high temperatures to yellow alert.
He explained that the measure was adopted based on national and international technical and scientific analyses, as well as projections from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology.
This elevation of the alert level constitutes a preventive and advance preparation action, and does not represent a declaration of the ENSO phenomenon.
The Conred requested the departmental and municipal governments to raise the alert level, strengthen prevention actions, update response plans and coordinate protection measures for the population against possible associated events, such as drought, forest fires, high temperatures, floods and landslides.
In addition, it will reinforce hydrometeorological monitoring and inter-institutional coordination to guarantee a timely response to any evolution of the threat.
The institution urged the population to stay informed through official channels and follow the recommendations of the competent authorities.
On Thursday, May 21, Rafael López, director of the Directorate of Strategic Geographic Information and Risk Management of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, explained the situation of drought and high temperatures that will affect crop areas in Guatemala during the May-July 2026 season.
What is the ENSO phenomenon
According to the World Meteorological Organization, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a recurring natural phenomenon that significantly influences climate patterns in various parts of the world.
This is characterized by the fluctuation of ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and by changes in atmospheric conditions.
To read more: We verify for you: Has this been the hottest year in Guatemala?
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