That’s it, then? Forecasts suggest summer’s a no-show this year – Even Lake Balaton’s on the chilly side
Hopeful holidaymakers may be in for a damp squib, as the much-anticipated peak of summer is proving to be anything but sizzling. Forecasts indicate that classic beach weather remains out of reach. Lake Balaton is still unseasonably cold, and early August is beginning to resemble autumn rather than high summer, according to the latest weather updates.
Lake Balaton stays chilly, hospitality sector feeling the pinch
The signs of a cooler-than-usual summer are already plain to see around Lake Balaton. Water temperatures are currently hovering between 20–22°C (68–72°F) – a bit too nippy for most swimmers. Data from the Balaton Limnological Research Institute shows that over the past thirty years, the lake’s temperature has increased at a far greater rate than in the preceding 120 years, leading to more frequent aquatic heatwaves, reports Pénzcentrum.
This summer, however, seems to be bucking the trend. Beaches are far from heaving, and hotel and restaurant owners are already counting the cost, with noticeable drops in footfall. And don’t hold your breath for a turnaround – according to Köpönyeg.hu, while a brief hot spell may pop in for a cameo, it’ll be short-lived. Another cold front is already on its way.
Cold front arrives with a bang – Hail the size of ping-pong balls
On Sunday, the weather took a sharp turn. Thunderstorms, showers, and blustery winds swept in, ushering a fresh cold front across the region. Over the weekend, hailstones the size of eggs were reported in Slovenia, and the same system reached Hungary’s western border, prompting orange-level warnings in several counties, according to Köpönyeg.
HungaroMet reported that the front caused a noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in the northwest. Sunday saw patchy to overcast skies, scattered showers, and thunderstorms mostly in the eastern regions. Winds veered north-westerly and picked up in strength, with the possibility of severe gusts around storm cells. Daytime highs varied wildly, from 22°C (72°F) in the west to a more summery 33°C (91°F) in the southeast.
The coming days promise moderately warm but changeable weather. Rainfall chances are expected to taper off by Tuesday, with a slight warm-up potentially arriving later in the week – but it’s all a bit up in the air.
Weather whiplash may take a toll on your health
These sudden swings between hot and cold can be particularly tough on people with heart conditions, the elderly, and those sensitive to the weather. Fluctuating air pressure, gusty winds, and stormy spells can trigger irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, or blood pressure issues.
With temperatures all over the shop, dressing in layers is a wise move – especially if you’re heading outdoors. Anyone planning a trip to Lake Balaton would be wise to bring not just swimwear, but a jumper or two as well.
In a nutshell: No proper summer on the cards this August
August is usually the height of summer – the time when we’d expect scorching days and packed beaches. Not this year. Even the annual Lake Balaton swim event has already been postponed twice due to uncooperative weather.
So far, the summer’s been something of a washout, and the outlook suggests that a proper stretch of beach-worthy weather might not materialise at all – not even in August.
Read more weather-related news on Daily News Hungary.
Read also:
- PHOTOS, VIDEO: Flash flooding, severe storms, and major traffic disruptions hit Hungary on Sunday
- Relief is coming: Severe storms and hail hit Hungary as cooler weather arrives
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