Arctic freeze to grip Hungary: Temperatures could plunge to -20°C as air quality turns dangerous

Hungary is set to face another wave of extreme winter weather from Sunday evening, with temperatures expected to fall as low as -15 to -20°C, particularly in the north-eastern regions of the country, according to the operational task force. What’s more, air pollution has worsened further, with dangerous air quality recorded in several Hungarian cities.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that on Saturday light freezing rain may occur in Western Transdanubia, while fog is expected in several parts of the country. From Sunday night onwards, however, severe frost will once again dominate large areas.

Firewood deliveries continue for those in need

Authorities confirmed that the distribution of firewood to vulnerable households is ongoing. On Friday alone, 326 people received support. A total of 173 firefighters prepared the firewood ahead of delivery, after which 475 soldiers, police officers and civil guards transported it using 108 vehicles.

In Nyíregyháza, inmates also assisted with loading the one cubic metre of firewood delivered to each household. Officials stressed that deliveries will continue throughout the weekend.

No isolated settlements, but buildings damaged

There are currently no isolated settlements in Hungary, and no road closures or weight restrictions are in force. Firefighters were called out to 80 locations due to winter-related incidents, including traffic accidents and building damage.

In Kecskemét, the roof of a family home partially collapsed under the weight of snow, rendering the property uninhabitable. Three residents were rehoused by the local authority. A similar incident occurred in Nagykőrös, where the occupant moved in with relatives.

In Jánoshalma, a waterlogged house partially collapsed and became uninhabitable, with one resident accommodated by family members. Meanwhile, in Szolnok, firefighters rescued a large dog that had fallen into the icy Zagyva river.

Hundreds of accidents, no fatalities

Police were dispatched to 176 road traffic accidents, 21 of which resulted in personal injury. No fatal accidents were reported. Working alongside civil guards, officers visited 2,303 elderly or isolated individuals living alone and provided assistance in 106 cases.

In addition, authorities carried out 741 checks along lakes and rivers to ensure compliance with ice safety rules, issuing warnings to three people.

Power, water and waste services disrupted

On Friday, ambulance services responded to 4,176 incidents nationwide. Power supply disruptions affected 11,859 consumers across 18 settlements and parts of Budapest’s 12th district. By Saturday morning, restoration work was ongoing for 20 consumers in Felsőtárkány.

Drinking water supply was also disrupted in 41 settlements and parts of the 12th district, affecting 7,508 consumers. Repairs are still underway at three locations, impacting 402 households. Waste collection services were partially suspended in 26 settlements, mainly affecting selective and green waste collection.

Hospitals continue to operate without disruption. Patient numbers are around 20% higher than usual, but no surgeries have had to be postponed.

Transport largely unaffected

No major incidents requiring road closures have occurred on Hungary’s road network. Snow clearance and de-icing operations are being carried out by 37 machines. Authorities currently have 63,572 tonnes of road salt and more than 2.2 million litres of calcium chloride solution available.

Rail services are operating normally, with only minor delays possible. All settlements remain accessible by bus, although in Bács-Kiskun, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Somogy and Veszprém counties some stops are still affected. Updated lists are available on the Útinform website. On Friday, a local bus slid into a roadside ditch in Kálló, but no passengers were on board.

Air traffic remains unaffected. On the River Danube, small boats and water sports equipment are still banned, while a full navigation closure remains in force on the River Tisza. Icebreaker vessels are on standby and have so far only been deployed in ports.

From Monday, no extraordinary school closures are planned in public education, although one vocational institution has switched to online teaching.

Authorities urge caution in extreme cold

The operational task force urged motorists to carry blankets and warm clothing in their vehicles, keep fuel tanks full, and ensure they can heat their cars if stranded. People are also advised to avoid spending time outdoors in temperatures of -15 to -20°C where possible.

Social institutions are operating around the clock to shelter those in need, and officials stressed that no one should be forced to remain on the streets in such conditions. Anyone encountering a person in distress is urged to call the emergency number 112.

Air quality reaches hazardous levels in several cities

Air pollution has worsened further, with dangerous air quality recorded in several Hungarian cities, according to a map published on Saturday by the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Centre (NNGYK), based on measurements from the previous day.

The air quality index includes four categories: acceptable, objectionable, unhealthy and dangerous.

Air quality is currently classified as dangerous in Putnok, Kazincbarcika, Sajószentpéter and Miskolc in the Sajó Valley, as well as in Békéscsaba, Százhalombatta, Székesfehérvár, Várpalota, Kaposvár, Pécs, Győr and Mosonmagyaróvár.

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Unhealthy air quality has been recorded in Ajka, Tatabánya, Dunaújváros, Esztergom, Budapest, Tököl, Kecskemét and Eger. Conditions are considered objectionable in Sarród, Veszprém, Dorog, Szeged, Szolnok, Salgótarján, Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Hernádszurdok and Oszlár. Other monitoring stations reported acceptable values.

According to HungaroMet Zrt., calm and frosty weather is expected to persist until Sunday, allowing air pollutants to accumulate further. In some areas, particulate matter levels may exceed health limits, particularly in windless north-eastern regions, where information or even alert thresholds could be surpassed.