The 2020s have seen dryer than normal conditions across much of central and southern South America, leading to water shortages in some areas (notably Uruguay). In the Andean altiplano Lake Titicaca, shared by Bolivia and Peru, is currently (August 2023) approaching its lowest levels since Bolivia's weather service (Senhami) started keeping records in 1974. The Lake's surface altitude is usually quoted as 3,812m (12,507ft) above sea level though it varies slightly between wet and dry seasons. The lowest record in recent times was 3,807.4m (12,491.4ft) in 1996. The effects of low water levels are particularly noticeable in the smaller, southern Inner Lake (also called Huiñay Marca / Marka or Lago Interior) which is separated from the main part of the Lake by the narrow Strait of Tiquina. This part of the lake is generally shallow (most is less than 20m (65ft) deep); large areas along parts of the shore and bays (often with extensive totora reed beds which are important for wildlife and grazing for domestic animals) are only a few metres deep at most and susceptible to long dry periods. The El Niño phenomenon is currently strengthening in the Pacific Ocean off South America; this usually brings warmer and dryer weather to the altiplano and could exarcerbate the recent dry conditions. This gallery contains images documenting the low levels, with some taken in previous winter dry seasons with more normal water levels for comparison.
