Balaton midges fooled the radar – they were mistaken for rain 🦟

At Lake Balaton, an unusually intense midge swarm occurred in recent weeks, which even disrupted meteorological radar images. For locals and visitors around the lake, this phenomenon was not only an inconvenience but also a kind of natural spectacle that illustrates changes in the Balaton ecosystem.

According to HungaroMet, the midge clouds were so dense that on clear nights they produced radar signals on the maps, as if precipitation were falling. These signals appeared repeatedly around 6 p.m. and at dawn in the Balaton region. The insects are harmless to humans, yet many were surprised by the phenomenon.

During the summer period this was particularly noticeable at the Kékszalag sailing race, where participants literally had to sweep the insects off the deck. The swirling clouds often made it difficult to see the water surface clearly, posing an extra challenge for Balaton sailors.

Experts say the phenomenon is due to increased nutrient levels in the lake, which favors algae and thus midge proliferation. Last year the Balaton saw the largest swarm in thirty years, and the trend appears to be continuing this year 🦟.

Source: telex.hu