Extremely dry and hot weather is expected to last another two months at least, increasing the threat of water shortages and forest fires, the government anounced Friday.
According to Environment Minister Carlos Costa, the extreme drought and heat is caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon and requires great caution.
“We have to be very careful because we have another two months of intense summer to go. There is also the possibility that El Niño will affect the amount of rain in April, which could then be less intense [than normal],” the official told radio station Caracol.
According to the minister, the authorities will remain alert until at least the end of April, when climatologists expect the normal weather patterns to return.