A severe drought now affects 44 percent of Puerto Rico, with three-quarters of the territory experiencing at least moderate water shortages. The normally rainy season has seen rainfall drop to less than 20 percent of usual levels in some areas.

Water rationing is already in place as reservoirs and rivers struggle to meet demand. Farmers are facing significant crop losses, while ranchers are running low on hay supplies due to the lack of rain.

The drought's severity has prompted both local and federal disaster declarations, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced water stress and the socio-economic fallout from prolonged dry spells.