Body discovered in Lake Velence near popular beachfront

A body was discovered Friday morning in Lake Velence, near the Velence Korzó promenade, sparking alarm among locals as it happened in one of the lake’s most frequented areas.

According to Liner.hu, police were on the scene by Saturday, cordoning off the area, which saw a heavy law enforcement presence.

The Fejér County Police Department confirmed in response to inquiries that an administrative procedure has been launched following the discovery. However, preliminary investigations found no signs of foul play. The case remains under investigation, and authorities continue to collect information and clarify the circumstances.

The incident shocked many, especially given Lake Velence’s popularity as a summer vacation destination. Authorities are urging both locals and tourists to avoid the cordoned-off section of the lake until the investigation is complete.

Meanwhile Lake Velence warming at an alarming rate

Lake Velence is heating up at an unprecedented pace — its water temperature has risen by more than 4°C in the past five decades during summer, outpacing the increase in air temperature over the same period, according to a recent study.

Climate researcher Péter Szabó and meteorologist and hydrologist Rita Pongrácz from the Department of Meteorology at Eötvös Loránd University studied the lake’s seasonal temperature shifts and their correlation with air temperature.

Their findings show that while air temperatures strongly influence lake temperature, Lake Velence’s water is now consistently warmer than the surrounding air across almost all seasons and years.

The most dramatic warming has occurred during the summer months, likely due to increasing solar radiation. This rapid temperature rise is having a harmful impact on the lake’s ecosystem, degrading water quality and lowering water levels.

The researchers emphasize that beyond air temperature, factors such as cloud cover, wind, and the lake’s shallow water supply also affect its temperature. However, previously functional water reservoirs are currently empty, rendering their influence negligible.

According to a report by 24.hu, human factors — including urbanization, irrigation practices, and groundwater use — may also be contributing to the lake’s warming.

Given the critical summer-period spike in temperature, experts stress the urgent need for intervention. In addition to cutting global carbon emissions, immediate regional adaptation strategies must be developed to protect Lake Velence’s ecosystem and water resources from further damage.

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Cover image is for illustrative purposes only. Featured image: depositphotos.com

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