20 August fireworks in Budapest under threat? Cold front, showers approaching
As the 20 August fireworks approach, the perennial question arises: what will the weather bring? Will the highlight of Hungary’s national celebration—and the many events planned across the country—go ahead as scheduled? Meteorologists offer reassuring news for the big day, but a cold front is set to bring unsettled conditions in the days that follow—something badly needed, as water levels in Hungary’s rivers have reached record lows.
Hot and calm day ahead
According to HungaroMet’s forecast, today promises true summer heat, with temperatures ranging between 29 and 34 °C (84–93 °F) across the country. Although showers and thunderstorms may develop over northern Transdanubia during the evening, they are unlikely to arrive before midnight, meaning the 20 August fireworks display in Budapest should proceed without disruption.
Cold, rainy weather to follow
A cold front will move across Hungary in the coming days, bringing a shallow cyclone and a fluctuating frontal zone that will sharply reduce temperatures. On Thursday and Friday, this system is expected to deliver showers, thunderstorms, and steady, soaking rainfall—totals may exceed 20 mm, particularly in northern and north-eastern regions.
Behind the front, strong northerly and north-easterly winds will prevail, accompanied by a marked temperature drop. By Friday afternoon, as the skies begin to clear, temperatures will be roughly 10 degrees lower than earlier in the week. Saturday and Sunday should be dry and sunny, though daytime highs will remain below 25 °C (77 °F). Meteorologists forecast a gradual warming trend next week, but a return to full summer heat is considered unlikely in the short term.
Lingering fears over 2006 storm disaster
Concerns of a repeat of the tragic 2006 incident resurface every year. At that time, Hungary’s weather service, OMSZ, had correctly predicted a storm, but the fireworks display was not cancelled in time. Hurricane-force winds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) struck Budapest, accompanied by torrential rain. A boat capsized on the Danube, claiming two lives. A tree fell on a young girl and a Romanian visitor, while an elderly woman died of a heart attack. Hundreds were injured.
In 2022, the government cancelled the fireworks and the traditional Saint Stephen’s Day procession as a precaution, citing a similarly uncertain forecast. The storm ultimately bypassed the capital, and the fireworks were rescheduled for 27 August. In the aftermath, the government dismissed the leadership of OMSZ.
Rainfall desperately needed
Drought has driven river water levels to historic lows. The Tisza River near Szolnok is at a record minimum, with little prospect of rising in the near future. Similar conditions are reported on the Maros, Lake Balaton, and Lake Velence. The Zagyva River is also at critically low levels—just a few centimetres at some points near Szolnok, according to a Telex report.
Read also:
- Vanishing farmland: Hungary’s semi-desert on the brink of agricultural collapse
- PHOTOS, VIDEO: Yesterday’s storm tore roofs off buildings, left areas without proper transportation, electricity in Hungary
Check out more articles concerning our national days.
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar