Spring is here, yet snow blankets Hungary – video

After an unusually protracted and severe winter in Hungary, spring has been with us for weeks, with daytime temperatures reaching around 20°C. Yesterday, however, an unexpected snow shower struck the country, blanketing the landscape in white within minutes.

Cooler conditions prevail in several areas

According to the HungaroMet report cited by MTI, yesterday’s temperatures were 2-6°C cooler than on Monday. Moreover, gusting and strengthening winds across Transdanubia and the northeast made it feel even chillier.

The accompanying infographic shows the most marked temperature drops in southern Hungary, with parts of Baranya and Somogy counties up to 7°C cooler than the previous day. Northern Hungary, including Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county and the Mátra range, saw similar declines of 6-7°C compared to Monday. The least cooling occurred in eastern and northwest Hungary, where some spots recorded temperatures akin to Monday’s.

Snow showers arrive unannounced

Unsurprisingly, the coldest conditions yesterday were atop the highest peaks, particularly at Kékes, Hungary’s loftiest point at 1,014 metres. An Időkép article attributes a further few degrees of cooling at the summit to a cold air drop, shifting precipitation from rain to snow as temperatures hovered around freezing. What had been falling as rain turned into a flurry of white snow showers in minutes, soon draping the entire area in a snowy veil.