Budapest has set a new daily heat record after temperatures climbed to 39.4°C in the capital’s Újpest district on Friday afternoon, according to preliminary data from Hungary’s national meteorological service, HungaroMet.
The new record is 2°C higher than the previous Budapest record for 31 July, which stood at 37.4°C and had remained unbeaten since 1921, when it was measured at Gellért Hill and Törökvész.
National record matched, but not broken
While the national daily heat record survived, it was equalled at two locations. Both the Újpest weather station and the Győr-Likócs station recorded 39.4°C, matching the long-standing national record for 31 July, originally measured in Szerep in 1917. HungaroMet noted that the figures are still preliminary and will be officially confirmed after validation.
Thousands lose water supply in Hungary as Paks output is cut and red warnings are issued
Hungary braces for even more extreme temperatures
The record comes as Hungary experiences one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years. Friday’s daytime highs ranged between 34°C and 39°C across much of the country. The extreme weather is expected to continue. Forecasts indicate temperatures of 35–40°C over the weekend, with some areas potentially reaching 41–42°C early next week if current weather models prove accurate.
Subscribe to receive every edition of our Hungary Insider newsletter directly in your inbox!
A third-degree heat alert remains in force until midnight on 4 August, with authorities continuing to urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly relatives and neighbours. Meteorologists currently expect the exceptional heat to persist until at least 7 August, although longer-range forecasts may still change.
If you missed it: PM Magyar says Hungary enters ‘one of the worst energy crises in decades’, shares new Paks shutdown date
