Who is Benjamin, and why is it bringing storms, gale-force winds, and rain to Hungary?
A powerful cold front is set to hit Hungary on Friday as a result of Cyclone Benjamin, which has already caused destruction in several European countries. HungaroMet has issued a yellow weather warning for almost the entire country due to expected showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Storm sweeping across Europe
Cyclone Benjamin first struck France, causing flooding and a fatal accident. According to Index, a 45-year-old German man was swept away by a suddenly swollen river in Corsica, while rescuers managed to save his family. Wind gusts of up to 170 kilometres per hour and rough seas were reported on the island, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays.
The Netherlands and the United Kingdom also experienced major disruptions: trees were uprooted, railway lines were closed, and several flood warnings remained in effect. In southern France, around 60,000 households were left without electricity.
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The cyclone reaches Hungary
Approaching from the west, Cyclone Benjamin crossed into Hungary on Thursday evening. According to Időkép, heavy rain and stormy winds were already reported in Szentgotthárd by nightfall, with the front expected to move across the entire country by Friday.
HungaroMet has issued a first-degree (yellow) warning for most counties due to rain, thunderstorms, and wind gusts reaching 70–75 kilometres per hour. Only Győr-Moson-Sopron and Vas counties are expected to be spared the most severe effects, although strong winds and thunderstorms may occur nationwide.
Meteorologists predict that winds will intensify again in the south-western and southern regions in the afternoon, with possible thunderstorms accompanied by small hail. In Transdanubia, 20–30 millimetres of rain may fall overnight and into the early morning, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 40–50 millimetres.
Chaos in France:
Cooling, rain, and wind: What to expect on Friday
Hungarians woke up on Friday to cloudy, rainy weather across the country. Clouds briefly cleared in the west during the morning, but another wave of rain is expected to arrive in the afternoon, particularly in southern and south-western regions.
The lowest temperatures will range between 7°C and 14°C, while daytime highs will be between 11°C and 18°C. Strong winds will gradually ease by evening, but caution is advised when travelling until then.
The storm has already affected transport: on the southern Balaton railway line, a fallen tree damaged the overhead power line, temporarily halting train services between Balatonmáriafürdő and Balatonszentgyörgy.
According to HungaroMet’s forecast, the cyclone will move eastwards and leave Hungary by Friday evening, but cooler and windy weather is expected to persist throughout the weekend.