Lake Prespa water levels rise slightly despite early drought onset

Lake Prespa's water level was recorded at 53 centimeters higher than the same date last year on September 7, following an exceptionally wet previous season. However, the dry season began approximately 20 days earlier than usual this year.

Analysis by Dejan Trajkovski indicates that since the end of May, water levels have already decreased by 43 centimeters. While this decline currently falls within average seasonal limits, the annual minimum is expected to reach between -620 and -630 centimeters before the wet period begins in December.

Despite the temporary reprieve provided by recent heavy rains, the long-term trend remains concerning. Data from NASA shows that between 1984 and 2020, the lake lost approximately 7 percent of its surface area and nearly half of its volume. Compared to the late 1970s, water levels are more than eight meters lower. Experts suggest that reversing this decline would require several consecutive seasons of heavy rainfall and significant water inflow.