The past few days have been defined by oppressive heat, during which Hungary’s all-time temperature record was broken. The prolonged spell has scorched the landscape and drained water from Lake Velence, River Tisza, while the cold front that followed in its wake has brought severe weather — including a possible tornado. Here is what we know.
Cold front may have spawned tornado
The cold front sweeping in from the west did not merely unleash intense thunderstorms, but also a highly unusual meteorological phenomenon. Near Mosonszolnok, a long funnel cloud was photographed which, meteorologists say, may have reached the ground — raising the strong possibility that Hungary has seen its first tornado of the year, Időkép wrote.
The phenomenon remains under investigation, but images suggest that a tornado may indeed have touched down in north-western Hungary.
Lake Velence in distress; Tisza at risk of drying out
Lake Velence has undergone a striking transformation. Recent satellite imagery shows the water in an almost luminous bright green — a stark contrast to conditions observed just a year ago. The unusual discolouration is likely due to a mass proliferation of algae, encouraged by persistent heat, shallow water and steadily declining water levels.
And from space:
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The development underscores the severity of this year’s drought, which is affecting not only Lake Velence but also the River Tisza. At the lower gauge at Kisköre, record-low water levels have been recorded, as a prolonged lack of rainfall has been compounded by extreme heat. Experts warn that the river’s discharge is now significantly below the long-term average, posing mounting challenges for water management and natural habitats alike, Időkép wrote.
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