Hungary shivers: Record-breaking cold hits the country at -4.6°C
Hungary experienced an exceptionally cold dawn on Friday, as a new national record for this date was set in the northern village of Zabar, Nógrád County. According to preliminary data published by HungaroMet, the temperature dropped to -4.6 degrees Celsius, marking not only a daily record but also the lowest temperature so far this autumn.
The previous record was measured in 2013, when the town of Szécsény (also in Nógrád County) registered -4.3 degrees on the same date. This year’s freezing start, therefore, surpassed a 12-year-old milestone, Telex reported.
Cold mornings across the country
While Zabar recorded the lowest figure, many other parts of Hungary also woke up to a biting chill. Across most of the country, minimum temperatures ranged between 0 and +5 degrees, though several areas experienced ground frost and even atmospheric frost, a reminder that winter is not far away.
These conditions are not unusual for the cold-prone northern valleys, where temperature inversions can amplify chilly conditions during clear, calm nights. However, the early October timing makes this cold spell particularly remarkable.
Weather outlook: windy days ahead
Despite the frosty morning, Friday brought a mix of sunshine and clouds across Hungary. No rainfall is expected, but an often strong northerly wind makes the air feel cooler. Daytime highs will reach around 13 degrees Celsius, according to Időkép.
On Saturday, more cloud cover is forecast, especially in the eastern regions, where light rain may briefly occur in the morning. Conditions should improve by the afternoon, with increasing sunshine across much of the country. However, later in the day, a new system will bring clouds and rain to western and northwestern regions. Winds will turn southerly to southwesterly, becoming brisk or strong in Transdanubia. Morning temperatures are forecast to vary widely—from -3 to +8 degrees depending on cloud cover—while daytime highs should reach 13 to 18 degrees.
Cold front arriving Sunday
Sunday will see the arrival of a cold front, bringing widespread rain and showers, especially in the morning hours. By the afternoon, precipitation will become more scattered, and skies will gradually clear in many places. Winds will shift to the northwest and strengthen, while daytime temperatures will range between 11 and 17 degrees. Importantly, meteorologists expect no frost by then.
Looking further ahead, early next week will continue to bring a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional showers, with highs between 14 and 20 degrees—closer to seasonal norms after this extraordinary early-October cold snap.
Must be because the pope blessed that block of ice the other day… Facepalm.