Hungary's Lake Velence hits historic low amid severe drought

Lake Velence, Hungary’s third‑largest natural lake located about 40‑50 km southwest of Budapest, has fallen to a record low water level of roughly 29 cm, the lowest since measurements began in 1933. The drop follows an extreme summer with temperatures reaching 40 °C and almost no rainfall, causing the lake to lose about half a centimetre of water each day.

The shrinking lake has triggered a cascade of ecological impacts: oxygen levels are falling, prompting a massive fish kill, while the surrounding reed belt is drying out, threatening bird habitats. The lake’s brown‑green water and “No Swimming” signs have discouraged visitors, harming the local tourism that relies on the popular summer destination.