Lake Balaton water level drops to record low amid severe drought

The average water level of Lake Balaton has fallen to about 83 cm, far below the normal level for this time of year. The drop has exposed the sandbank known locally as Majomsziget near Balatonfenyves, a feature that only appears during extreme low‑water conditions.

Experts attribute the decline to a prolonged lack of rainfall, estimating a deficit of 100–150 mm in the basin. The Zala River, the lake’s main inflow, is delivering only minimal flow, while the dry soil quickly absorbs any recent showers, preventing smaller streams from reaching the lake. The drought threatens regional agriculture, with reduced water for crops such as corn and sunflower and uncertainty for orchards. Tourism is also affected, as shallow, muddy shores force swimmers to walk farther to reach deeper water.

Authorities say that a sustained period of significant precipitation over the entire watershed would be needed to stabilize the lake’s level.