Take care: Hungary braces for scorching heat followed by evening storms + tips for coping

Starting Monday, Hungary will enter one of the hottest periods of the summer. According to HungaroMet’s forecast, high temperatures are expected to range between 31 and 36 degrees Celsius nationwide, with the most intense heat likely in southern and southeastern regions. For most of the day, the weather will remain clear or slightly cloudy and dry, but severe changes are expected by evening.

Heat and strong winds define the day

As HungaroMet warns, southwesterly winds will be brisk and occasionally strong throughout the day, offering only slight relief from the heat without significantly reducing the overall discomfort. The hottest temperatures are expected in the Kisalföld and southeastern parts of the country, Blikk reports.

Cold front to bring showers, thunderstorms, hail by evening

After what promises to be a calm day, a weak cold front will arrive from the northwest in the late afternoon and evening, potentially bringing dramatic weather changes. Skies will increasingly cloud over in the northern and northwestern regions, with showers and thunderstorms likely to develop. Both HungaroMet and Telex have reported a Level 1 (yellow) weather warning.

Some thunderstorms could be accompanied by damaging wind gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, and hailstones up to 2 cm in diameter are also possible. Although precipitation is less likely in the southern counties, most of the country will feel the effects of this weather shift.

Heatwave to intensify later this week

While temperatures may ease slightly on Tuesday, the heatwave is expected to intensify again during the second half of the week. By Thursday, daily highs could exceed 35 degrees Celsius in many areas, with temperatures in the Great Hungarian Plain possibly reaching 37–39 degrees. According to Telex, there are concerns that agriculture may again face conditions similar to the drought-stricken summer of 2022.

Tips for coping with the heat

Experts are urging the public to stay well hydrated, especially the elderly, young children, and pets. People are advised to avoid direct sunlight during midday hours whenever possible and to keep their homes shaded and cool.

The combination of sudden weather changes, extreme heat, and thunderstorms can be particularly taxing, so it’s important to keep up with the latest warnings and forecasts from HungaroMet.

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