During last week’s extraordinary heat, a new term entered the public vocabulary: the “heat dome”. The phenomenon, which first raged over Western Europe, drifted eastwards and delivered historic extremes, shattering national records — with 42C recorded in Szécsény last Tuesday, the highest ever measured in Hungary. Now another heat dome has reached France, and it is set to have a decisive impact on our weather as well.
France braces for another heat dome — with knock-on effects for Hungary
A new heatwave swept into France on Sunday, with southern departments under heat alerts once again facing temperatures of up to 40C just days after the last historic episode subsided, according to the Hungarian news agency. Citing Austria’s oe24, Index reports that an African heat surge could trigger another heat dome — a high-pressure system that traps hot air and can linger over the continent for days or even weeks.
It was the eastward movement of such a system that drove Hungary’s all-time temperature record last Tuesday, when 42C was measured in Szécsény. Records fell across Western and Central Europe, with France itself seeing temperatures reach 44C. Meteorologists now expect highs of 35–37C, with isolated areas possibly climbing to 38–40C. From today, the heatwave is forecast to spread northwards, with oppressive conditions persisting nationwide until the end of next week.
This is France’s third heatwave of the year — earlier episodes in May and June, the latter, were linked to several thousand deaths across Western and Southern Europe.
What it means for Hungary
According to Index, the heat dome is once again expected to roll eastwards, soon reaching Austria and Hungary. For Hungary, however, the primary concern will not be extreme heat but unsettled, windy conditions. Current models place the country on the edge of the heat dome — effectively a corridor for passing weather fronts.
These systems are unlikely to bring widespread rainfall, meaning lakes and rivers will continue to shrink.
We have previously reported in detail on Lake Velence, where recent satellite images revealed alarming levels of algal bloom — a direct consequence of low water levels and rising temperatures.
The week ahead – weather forecast
A changeable and often breezy week lies ahead. The good news is that the intense heat will not return; daytime highs are expected to hover around 30C, with fresher mornings offering some relief. Sunshine will be plentiful at times, though interrupted by cloud, with showers and thunderstorms mainly confined to the early part of the week, according to HungaroMet’s latest forecast released on Sunday.
Have you read this one? From 40°C to frost: Hungary records its coldest summer night as temperatures plunge below zero
Temperatures and sunshine
Expect days of cumulus cloud, with clearer, sunnier spells more likely on Friday and Sunday. Daytime highs will range between 23C and 33C, with a gradual warming trend towards the weekend. Overnight lows will fall between 10C and 21C.
Rain and wind
Scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop, but only in localised areas; widespread rainfall is not expected. Westerly and northerly winds will dominate through the week, with strong gusts possible early on. Winds should ease towards the weekend, though thunderstorms may still bring sudden, locally strong gusts.
If you missed: Satellite images reveal scale of crisis at Lake Velence as Tisza runs perilously low and cold front triggers a tornado
Hungary’s drying out continues because there is no significant precipitation expected:
