Lake Balaton records extreme surface heat while water level sinks to critical low

Scientists at the Balaton Limnological Research Institute reported that surface water temperatures on Monday reached a peak of 32.9 °C at Keszthely, with adjacent sites measuring above 31 °C. The warm layer now extends deeper than a week earlier, creating a pronounced thermal stratification that could affect water quality and algae growth later in the summer.

Meanwhile, the lake’s water level has dropped to a critical 79 cm, the lowest since measurements began. The shallow depth is visible along the southern shore, where boats are getting stuck in reeds and the seabed is exposed. The low level forced organizers of the annual Balaton swimming crossing to redesign logistics, including the construction of a temporary large‑scale stepping platform to allow participants to traverse the shallow sections safely. Historical lows occurred in 2003 (23 cm) and 2012 (52 cm).