El Niño
Energy Minister Palma advances Air-e crisis measures amid El Niño threat
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Colombia’s Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma defended his handling of the Air-e financial crisis—ongoing since early 2026 with $1.6 trillion in debts—and announced key steps: a targeted $8/kWh surcharge on high-income users, a Creg proposal for more energy contracting ahead of El Niño, and calls for structural reforms in the Caribbean region's electricity sector.
Hidroituango manager Alejandro Arbeláez welcomed the request to fill the reservoir to its full 100% capacity to prepare for the El Niño phenomenon expected in the second half of the year. The current level stands at 53%. The National Authority of Environmental Licenses (Anla) confirmed there are no impediments to operating at the maximum level of 420 meters above sea level.
Reported by AI
International weather centers warn of a possible super El Niño between 2026 and 2027. Ideam reports a 61 percent chance the phenomenon will set in between late May and June.
A massive heat wave in the Western US and a potential El Niño event signal concerns for unpredictable extreme weather ahead. Despite 2025 ranking as the third-hottest year on record, it saw fewer climate disasters than expected.
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Building on earlier forecasts of heavy rains persisting through April, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam), led by Ghisliane Echeverry, announced the official start of Colombia's first rainy season of 2026, which is set to continue until mid-June. The announcement follows an atypical first quarter with above-normal rainfall across most departments, preventing the customary dry season from December to March.