Velencei‑tó water level approaches historic low amid severe drought in Hungary

The water level of Hungary’s Velencei‑tó has fallen to a critical 54 cm at the Agárd gauge, just one centimetre above the historic low of 53 cm recorded in September 2022. The latest official measurement on 18 June showed a slight rise to 55 cm, offering only a brief stabilisation and leaving the lake’s condition precarious.

The drought that has driven the lake’s decline also affects other Hungarian lakes, with Balaton’s level dropping to 78 cm at Siófok. Experts warn that the onset of a heat wave will increase evaporation, further threatening water levels across the region. Substantial and sustained rainfall would be needed to normalise the situation.