Unbelievably High Water Level Difference at Lake Balaton Due to Shift in Cold Front
The recent cold front that swept through Lake Balaton on Friday led to a significant shift in the water level of the lake, with a 51-centimetre difference between the two parts of the “Hungarian Sea.” According to Info Start, the average water level of Lake Balaton was 98 centimetres on Friday, with extreme values recorded at 80 centimetres in Balatonfűzfő and 132 centimetres in Balatonmáriafürdő.
Ákos Horváth, the leader of the Siófok observatory, explained to HírBalaton that the strong winds that accompanied the cold front reached speeds of up to 90 km/h on January 10th. While this may seem high, it is not considered unusual in historical comparison. Horváth noted that wind speed, direction, and duration play key roles in determining shifts in the water level of the lake. In this case, the cold front came from the North, unlike the usual Southwestern winds that typically cause higher shifts in Lake Balaton.
Despite the cold front and dropping temperatures, Horváth mentioned that the water temperature of Lake Balaton had not yet reached the freezing point of 5 degrees Celsius, indicating that the lake is unlikely to freeze over.
This recent water level shift is not the first of its kind for Lake Balaton. In September 2024, Cyclone Boris also caused a notable shift in the water level of the lake, with the southern side measuring 33 centimetres higher than the northern side. At that time, the water level at Siófok was 109 centimetres, while at Badacsony, it was only 76 centimetres.
As the cold front continues, it is essential to monitor the water level of Lake Balaton and its effects on the surrounding areas. Stay updated on the latest developments and weather conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
