After a brief spell of cooler-than-average weather, the heatwave in Hungary is set to return, with temperatures expected to climb back above 30°C by the weekend and potentially reach 38°C early next week.
According to 24.hu, meteorologists say the current respite will be short-lived, although there is growing optimism that August could finally bring more regular rainfall after months of severe drought.
Cooler weather only temporary
A cold front swept across Hungary on Sunday, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures across the country.
Maximum temperatures on Monday reached 26–31°C (79–88°F), while Tuesday is expected to be even cooler, with highs between 24–30°C (75–86°F). Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in some areas, but widespread rainfall is still not expected.
Another cold front is forecast to arrive on Wednesday, keeping daytime temperatures between 23–28°C (73–82°F) through the second half of the week.
Although these values may feel refreshingly cool after recent extremes, meteorologists note that they are actually close to the long-term average for late July.
Heatwave to return this weekend
The cooler conditions will begin to disappear over the weekend as warmer air spreads back into the Carpathian Basin.
According to meteorologist László Molnár, temperatures will rise steadily from 26–27 July, with much of Hungary once again exceeding 30°C (86°F).
By next Monday, afternoon highs are expected to reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), while some of the hottest parts of the country could experience temperatures of 33–38°C (91–100°F) during the first half of next week.
Why is the weather changing again?
The latest heatwave will develop under different atmospheric conditions from the previous one.
The persistent high-pressure “omega block” that contributed to exceptional heat across western Europe is expected to break down. The region will instead be influenced by a low-pressure system positioned between two high-pressure areas over the Atlantic and Russia.
For Hungary, this setup is forecast to draw very warm air northwards from southwestern Europe, triggering another spell of intense summer heat.
Western Europe, meanwhile, is expected to receive some relief after experiencing one of its most remarkable early-summer heat episodes in decades.
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Better news could arrive in August
There may finally be encouraging news for Hungary’s drought-stricken countryside.
Current forecasts suggest that the high-pressure system over Russia could weaken towards the end of July or the beginning of August. If that happens, prevailing westerly winds would become more dominant over Central Europe.
This weather pattern typically brings more regular Atlantic weather systems and increased rainfall to Hungary.
While forecasts this far ahead remain uncertain, meteorologists say the shift could help ease the country’s prolonged drought during August after one of the driest periods in recent years.
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