Rare weather pattern brings Hungary severe cold from Siberia itself

After a brief spell of milder weather, winter is preparing a dramatic comeback across Hungary and much of Europe. Meteorologists warn that a powerful influx of continental air from the east will bring a return of severe frost this weekend, with conditions expected to worsen further in the coming days.

Extreme cold in Hungary?

According to Hungarian weather services, many people may have felt over the past couple of days that the worst of winter was finally behind them, despite freezing drizzle and persistent grey skies. However, this short-lived relief is now coming to an end. From Saturday onwards, bitterly cold air of Siberian origin will reach the Carpathian Basin, pushing temperatures well below freezing once again.

Forecasts suggest that by early Saturday morning, temperatures near Hungary’s north-eastern border could drop to around minus 8 degrees Celsius. By evening, values close to minus 10 degrees are possible in the easternmost parts of the country. Portfolio writes that the cold will intensify from Sunday, when night-time lows in the north-east could plunge to minus 17 degrees. During the first half of next week, overnight temperatures below minus 10 degrees are likely across large parts of the country, with minus 20 degrees not out of the question in snow-covered, clear areas, especially in northern and eastern regions.

• How happy are the people of Hungary: Political climate edition

At least some of us can have some sunshine

There is, however, a small silver lining. The arrival of colder, drier air is expected to bring more sunshine overall. That said, the Great Plain and the wider Budapest area may continue to experience persistent fog. In these regions, freezing drizzle is likely to be replaced by light snowfall and heavy frost deposits, creating an even more wintry landscape. Daytime temperatures will remain mostly below zero, typically between minus 4 and plus 1 degrees, with foggy areas struggling to rise above minus 5 degrees.

The cold spell has already strengthened ice cover on Hungary’s lakes. Both Lake Velence and Lake Balaton are now considered suitable for limited activities on the ice, provided safety regulations are followed. Designated skating areas will be opened at Lake Velence this weekend, while authorities report that ice conditions along the southern shore of Lake Balaton are generally safe, with more restrictions in place on the northern side.

• Trump signals visit to Hungary as stakes are getting higher before the elections

A rare phenomenon causing it

Meanwhile, the chill gripping Hungary is part of a much larger European weather story. Meteorologists are increasingly confident that a rare atmospheric configuration known as the Voyeykov axis is forming over the continent. This phenomenon occurs when the Azores High and the Siberian High link up, blocking milder Atlantic air and allowing extremely cold, dry Arctic air to flow deep into Europe.

The Voyeykov axis has been responsible for some of Europe’s harshest winters in recent decades, most notably in 2003, 2012 and 2017. With January 2026 already delivering widespread snow and severe frost from the British Isles to the Carpathian Basin, experts warn that winter has not yet had its final say.