Water level of Lake Balaton alarmingly low – only a few centimeters away from the 2022 drought record

Lake Balaton’s water level currently stands at just 81 centimetres, which is 20 centimetres lower than it was at this time last year. According to data from the National Water Directorate, the average water level has dropped by five centimetres over the past two weeks. At the end of June, it still measured 99 centimetres, already well below the seasonal average.

The situation is even more challenging along the southern shore, which is naturally shallower—forcing beachgoers to walk further to reach deeper water, reports Blikk. The current level is just three centimetres above the record-low 78 centimetres measured during the exceptionally dry year of 2022.

What’s causing the drop in water levels?

During hot summer days, evaporation increases significantly. When paired with wind, the lake can lose up to one centimetre of water per day. In calm conditions, however, a thin layer of vapour forms over the lake, slowing evaporation. This has helped stabilise the water level in recent days.

Water management experts aim to maintain Balaton’s level around 110 centimetres by regulating flow through the Siófok sluice gate. However, the current situation falls well short of that target.