Winter strikes back: Snowstorms and fierce winds sweep Western Hungary

Western Hungary has been hit by a dramatic late-season winter resurgence, as powerful winds and heavy snowfall created near-blizzard conditions in mountainous regions close to the Austrian border.

Winter’s back: Snowstorms in the highlands

According to meteorological reports, winter conditions returned in force across higher elevations, particularly in the Magas-Bakony, the Sopron Hills, and parts of the Kőszeg Mountains. Strong, gusty winds combined with snowfall to produce genuine snowstorm conditions in these areas.

By Friday morning, snow accumulation had reached around 18 centimetres at one of the highest points of the Sopron Hills. Photographer Máté Sütő’s video, shared by meteorologist Tamás Tóth, suggests that similar depths were recorded on Kőris Hill, one of the highest peaks in the region.

Images published near Sopron also confirm a thick, wet snow cover forming above 400–500 metres, with around 15 centimetres settling at higher altitudes.

Strong winds intensify the cold

Although temperatures hovered around -2°C in the early afternoon, the powerful wind significantly worsened conditions, pushing the perceived temperature down to around -10°C. The blustery weather has not only reduced visibility but also caused damage, with reports of fallen pine trees in forested areas.

Meteorologist Tamás Tóth noted that while the weather may feel harsh, the outcome aligns with earlier forecasts: temperatures remained too high for snow to settle in lowland areas. As a result, widespread snowfall outside mountainous regions is unlikely in the coming days.

Less snow than expected

Interestingly, snowfall totals fell short of earlier projections. Instead of the anticipated 30–40 centimetres, most mountainous areas received closer to 10–18 centimetres. Despite this, the combination of wind and snow has still created hazardous and wintry conditions.

Windy weather to persist

The turbulent weather is expected to continue, particularly across Transdanubia. The persistently strong winds in western Hungary are forecast to ease only by Saturday evening, while other parts of the country will also experience breezy conditions, albeit with occasional calmer periods in central regions.

Precipitation is expected to remain unevenly distributed, with the driest conditions likely in the eastern parts of the Northern Great Plain and the eastern half of the North Hungarian Mountains.

If you missed it:

• Winter is coming back to Hungary this week with snow and gale-force winds: here’s our forecast