Drought Intensifies Across Puerto Rico, Leading to Water Shortages

Three-quarters of Puerto Rico is experiencing at least moderate drought, with zones of extreme drought expanding to cover 44 percent of the territory as of August 25, 2026. The dry conditions, resulting from a lack of rain since May, have led to water shortages and rationing in some areas. The U.S. government issued a drought disaster declaration for over two dozen cities and towns in late August.