Because of the considerable longitudinal dimension of the lake, mutually disparate weather conditions may occur in different areas. While calm reigns in one basin, a violent wind rages in the other. Storms at Lake Balaton occur more frequently at the beginning of the summer.

The National Weather Service warning observatory at Siófok deals with storm warnings for the Balaton area and between 1 April and 31 October operates the storm warning system. Yellow lights indicating the meteorological conditions are displayed at 26 (+16 mobile) points along the shore.

Basic Level
Wind speed does not exceed 12m/s (45 km/h), the water is smooth or only minor waves appear.

Level I – storm warning
If the wind is liable to attain a speed of 12 m/s (45km/h - 24 knots) within 3 hours, a Level I storm warning is ordered. On the approach of a storm (strong wind, medium or big waves), a yellow light flashing 45 times a minute indicates Level I, whereupon swimmers may only bathe/swim, boats and other water sports craft may only navigate within a 500m wide zone off the shore.

Level II – storm warning
If the wind speed will exceed 17 m/s (65 km/h - 34 knots) immediately or within 1 - 2 hours, a Level II storm warning is ordered. On the imminent occurrence of a storm (heavy storm or hurricane), a yellow light flashing 90 times a minute indicates the Level II storm warning, whereupon a prohibition on navigation applies to small vessels of Class B under sail, on other boats and water sports craft as well as on swimming.

Police (water-guards):

Siófok call center 24/24h: (+36 84) 310 712
Web: www.police.hu