Two lakes' worth of water has disappeared from Hungarian soil in three years

Researchers from the University of Szeged report a significant decrease in soil moisture, with 4.1 million cubic kilometers less water than in summer 2023. This drought highlights the rapid decline of water reserves in previously less affected areas, indicating a nationwide water management issue. The cumulative effects of consecutive years of drought have made the water balance increasingly vulnerable. Although there was some rainfall in October, it only benefited the topsoil, leaving deeper layers still lacking moisture. Effective water retention strategies are essential for addressing these challenges, requiring knowledge of where and how much water can be retained.