Lake Balaton's water level at 25-year low, raising concerns very early this summer

Summer may have just begun, but Lake Balaton’s water levels are already cause for concern: the latest measurements from June 21 show the lake at just 99 centimeters, well below the usual 110–120 centimeters typical for this time of year. The anticipated heat in the coming days could make matters worse.

Dry spell already taking a toll

Experts say the unusually low water level is mostly due to dry weather, high temperatures, and a lack of rainfall. Natural evaporation reached critical levels significantly earlier this year than in previous years. The lake’s water temperature is already averaging 1.7 degrees Celsius higher than it was 25 years ago, and, according to Index, this warming trend is expected to continue.

The National Water Directorate had previously forecasted that Balaton’s water level typically drops by 20–40 centimeters between June and August. This year, however, the decline has started earlier and more rapidly: last year the water level didn’t fall to 99 centimeters until August, but now it has already hit that mark in June. If the trend continues, it could even drop below 70 centimeters by the end of summer, according to InfoStart.

Lake Balaton beach weather sunny — Photo: Helló Magyar

Too much last year, too little this year

In June 2024, Lake Balaton’s water level reached as high as 121 centimeters, prompting water management authorities to regulate the level. Parts of the shoreline around Balatonfüred and Balatonalmádi became flooded after months of water release through the Sió sluice gate to prevent excessively high levels. This year, the situation is the opposite: attention has turned to water retention and minimizing evaporation due to the low levels.

Not an emergency yet, but requires monitoring

Despite the low levels, experts emphasize that Lake Balaton isn’t at immediate risk of drying out. The outlook is similarly stable for Lake Velence, where the current level stands at 108 centimeters—slightly more promising compared to the record lows of 2022.

Meanwhile, the government has responded to the escalating drought situation. Acting on a recommendation from the Drought Response Task Force, 4.7 billion forints were allocated in late May for drought mitigation efforts. The funding aims to address water shortages threatening agriculture, with necessary state interventions to be overseen by the ministers of agriculture and energy, and executed by August 31, 2025, reports Index.

What’s ahead?

Forecasts show no rainfall in the coming days, with the heat expected to intensify. This will likely accelerate evaporation, causing water levels at Lake Balaton and other domestic lakes to drop further. While the situation isn’t yet alarming, the lake—critical for both water management and tourism—requires close monitoring and long-term strategic planning.

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