The Guadalajara Reporter

Early rains bring relief to Lake Chapala

In a prelude to the 2013 rainy season, early storms have brought a tad of relief to a thirsty Lake Chapala, keeping its dwindling water line on an even keel throughout the past week.

The National Water Commision (Conagua) reported 21.3 millimeters of rainfall accumulated at its Chapala weather station on May 27, the top figure registered anywhere in Jalisco up to that date.

The rainy season typically kicks in around June 13 which, according to local lore, coincides with festivities honoring Saint Anthony of Padua in San Antonio Tlayacapan.  

From a more scientific perspective, Angel Meulenert Peña at the University of Guadalajara’s Astronomy and Meteorology Institute points to the same date as the anticipated gateway for precipitation that will prevail over the summer months. He predicts average rainfall for the region this season, surpassing scant measurements of the past two years and presumably translating into more favorable conditions for Lake Chapala.    


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