science
Hungary Experiences Below-Average Rainfall and Low Soil Moisture in Spring 2026
Soil moisture deficits have reached critical levels across the country after April brought almost no rainfall. Officials and local leaders are calling for immediate water management measures as Lake Venice hits its lowest seasonal levels in years. Euronews reported on the deepening crisis affecting agriculture, rivers and tourism-dependent communities.
May 9, 9:10 AM·3m read1 source
EuronewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Ninety percent of Hungary's land is already at risk from drought in 2026 after April brought particularly bad weather from an agricultural point of view with hardly any rainfall. In the most affected areas of the Great Plain there is 120 mm of moisture missing from the soil and only 80 mm present. Over the last 90 days rainfall in Hungary has been 20 to 70 mm below average.
The top 20 to 30 cm of soil is critically dry throughout Hungary and the 30 to 60 cm soil layer is in an increasingly worrying condition. Some areas of Hungary have not had any rain for a month. Nearly one year of rainfall over the last five years is missing, according to Attila Szegi, deputy spokesman for the National Water Directorate.
Hungary's rivers, standing waters and groundwater levels are critically low. Last year 550000 hectares in Hungary were affected by drought damage and insurers paid out almost HUF 40 billion in compensation for drought damage in 2025. This year's conditions suggest the impact could be even more severe.
Péter Magyar asked the future Tisza government's minister for the living environment to take charge of an immediate water management plan. László Gajdos called for those who can to avoid cutting grass in May at least because of the drought in April.
To better allocate existing water resources infrastructure needs to be made more flexible and the involvement of the population is key, Attila Szegi stated.
The Tisza Party wants to implement new water conservation programmes with the involvement of the population and local farmers. The water authority has been working with the Sárrét Water Fishermen NGO for more than a year to retain water in the Little Sárrét area along the Romanian border.
