Freezing rains and -20 degrees: the most dangerous part of winter approaching in Hungary

Thermometers are about to plunge into nightmare territory next week, warns HungaroMet Ltd.’s latest forecast. But first, brace for a sneaky precursor: freezing rain slamming areas below zero.

Rare weather phenomenon rules Hungary

Today, temperatures crept above 0°C only on Hungary’s mountaintops. Everywhere else? Bone-chilling frost. That’s nothing compared to what’s barreling in early next week.

The bizarre phenomenon stems from something called a temperature inversion, where chilly air cheekily layers itself beneath warmer air—creating temperature swings of up to 15°C just a few kilometres apart as the crow flies. The result? Valleys dominated by cold-air cushions stay remarkably frosty, while sun-drenched mountain peaks bask in far balmier warmth, reports Időkép.

Onle the mountaintops are today above zero in Hungary

Here is a video of the phenomenon with cold clouds ruling the valleys:

Freezing rains expected in Hungary

A fresh precipitation wave hits Hungary tomorrow, bringing freezing rain—though lighter than two days ago. It’ll sweep in from the north, icing up the eastern half to two-thirds of the country. Mountains might see plain rain where it’s stayed above freezing. Budapest falls in the danger zone, so drivers and walkers alike: stay hyper-vigilant. Black ice doesn’t discriminate.

• Frosty weather in Hungary: improvement expected, but danger of icing remains – latest updates

Transdanubia? Expect thick, soupy fog. HungaroMet notes medium forecast confidence amid swirling uncertainties. Even after the rain clears, sub-zero spots could see lingering freezing drizzle.

Then the real beast arrives over the weekend. Temps nosedive fast—Sunday could dip below -10°C, with -20°C not out of the question as a dry, frigid anticyclone surges from Ukraine and Russia. Daily highs? Lucky to claw back to -7°C or -8°C.

Yesterday, early spring arrived in the Southwest:

Read also:

• Let’s admire it together: Lake Balaton has frozen over for the first time in 9 years – VIDEO

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