Heatwave to return to Hungary next week + tips to keep cool

You might have felt a great relief over the past few days after the scorching temperatures of the previous week, but do not get too comfortable as from Tuesday the heatwave is set to return to Hungary.

According to the figures on the National Meteorological Institute, daytime temperatures will again reach 32-37 degrees by Thursday, with some hot nights of 21-23 degrees in some parts of the country. The good news, however, is that this will only last until Friday, when some cool air will reach us from the west.

Temperatures in the high of 30’s are not totally unusual for Hungary during the summer, but the past few years have brought some extreme highs, including the absolute record of 40 degrees measured on the 23^rd of June in Fülöpháza. Persistent heat is most dangerous for children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, but

even those who are fit and healthy can easily be affected by these extreme high temperatures.

It is important then, to remind ourselves of some very useful tips that help us keep cool.

See just a few below:

• Between 11 am and 3 pm avoid direct sunlight and, if possible, avoid heavy physical work during this time, too.
• Drink plenty of liquids, mainly water. Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol. You might have already heard, that hot drinks help better to cool down the body, so have a hot tea if you struggle with the heat.
• Avoid heavy and greasy food, or anything rich in sugar, such as sugary drinks.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabric.
• Take cooling showers during the day, or just before bed, and go to bed with wet hair.
• Keep your home cool, by having your blinds and windows shut during daytime, only opening them during night-time to create a cooling draft. If you don’t have airconditioning at home, make one your own by placing a bowl with ice cubes and cold water, or frozen plastic water bottles in front of a ventilator.
• Pay attention to things in your car. Do not leave disinfectants, firelighters or other flammable solutions inside the car, as these can easily catch fire in the high heat.

If you see children or pets locked inside a vehicle, call 112 immediately!

• And last but not least: watch out for those around you and offer help if you can.

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Guest author: 

Melinda Cooper