Hungary’s rivers and lakes hit record lows as drought grips 99% of the country.

Hungary is facing a deepening water crisis as a prolonged heatwave and severe drought push water levels in its lakes and rivers to historic lows. Official data shows that nearly the entire country—around 99%—is now under severe or extreme drought conditions. The crisis is most acute on the Great Hungarian Plain, where experts warn that desertification is becoming a real threat. This vast agricultural region, known for its fertile soil, is now drying out at an alarming rate. Water levels in major waterways have fallen to record minimums, disrupting shipping, irrigation, and local ecosystems. The lack of rainfall, combined with sustained high temperatures, has left the ground parched and reservoirs depleted. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but with no significant rain forecast in the near term, the pressure on Hungary’s water supplies is expected to intensify. The drought serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to shifting climate patterns.