Hungary is enduring its most severe drought in 126 years, according to data from the national weather service, HungaroMet. The Central European country recorded its driest summer since 1901 and its second hottest, as a prolonged lack of rainfall combined with scorching temperatures to dry out soils and deplete water reserves.
After a winter with below-average precipitation, a heatwave struck in June, followed by further hot spells in July and August. The unusually dry conditions also drove the Danube to record-low water levels, disrupting navigation and raising concerns for ecosystems along the river.
A summer of extremes
HungaroMet's analysis shows that average rainfall across Hungary during the summer was just 74.1 millimetres, a mere 36% of the 1991–2020 mean. The seasonal average temperature reached 23.43°C, which is 2.59°C above the long-term norm of 20.84°C.
The drought, which began in the second half of 2025, was the result of persistent weather patterns and disruptions to the water cycle, the agency said. While January brought cold and wet conditions, the following months were marked by severe rainfall deficits and higher-than-normal temperatures. In April, for instance, precipitation was only 10% of the usual amount.
May offered some wetter interludes, but the soil had not recovered enough moisture by the end of spring. The summer then brought further spells of exceptionally dry weather, exacerbating the situation.
Soil moisture and agricultural impact
By late June, nearly the entire country was experiencing a soil moisture deficit of more than 100 millimetres in the top metre of soil. The combination of scarce rainfall and above-average temperatures increased evaporation, causing soil moisture levels to plummet.
Between 1 April and 2 September, at least 30% of Hungary's territory experienced moderate or more severe drought conditions for almost 84% of that period. By the end of August, agricultural drought had reached severe levels across half the country, threatening crops and livestock.
Lake Velence, one of Hungary's largest lakes, has been visibly drying out, with satellite images showing exposed shorelines and shrinking water surfaces.
Groundwater shortages across the region
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that groundwater levels are continuing to fall, with Central and Eastern Europe among the regions most affected. Soil moisture was already far below normal in 2025, and the situation deteriorated further in 2026.
In Hungary, an earlier estimate put the average groundwater level at 1.4 to 1.7 metres below what is considered ideal. Even if autumn brings wetter days, this alone will not be enough to solve the water shortage, experts warn.
For years, hydrologists have cautioned that Hungary can only tackle its water crisis by retaining water rather than allowing it to drain away quickly, whether from rainfall or rivers. This would involve restoring wetlands, improving soil management, and rethinking water infrastructure.
The drought also has broader implications for the region. As France's groundwater reserves remain critically low, the pressure on water resources across Europe is mounting. In Hungary, the crisis has already affected the restaurant sector, which is shrinking as costs rise, adding to the economic strain.
While the immediate focus is on relief and adaptation, the long-term challenge is clear: Europe must rethink its water management strategies to cope with a changing climate.
