Today and tomorrow will bring the peak of Hungary’s sweltering heatwave, which could push the country towards a water and energy crisis in the coming days and weeks. Although the public is consciously trying to keep consumption down, there is, for now, little sign of significant rainfall — even once temperatures begin to fall. Here is our full forecast.
The heatwave shows no restraint
According to Szeretlek Magyarország, citing data from HungaroMet, a red alert is in force across the country. After a rapid rise in temperatures today, highs of 37 to 41C are again expected, with no rain and no clouds. In theory, that would offer an opportunity to give tourism a lift on Hungary’s great lakes, but reports suggest the season is only a shadow of what it once was. Lake Velence is suffering from severe water shortages and deteriorating water quality, while even at Lake Balaton the season is far from what it used to be. Visitor numbers are low, and those who do come are spending little at the lakeside restaurants and hospitality venues, despite the excellent water quality. According to experts, caterers should be switching to Mediterranean-style summers and Mediterranean opening hours — though that is clearly easier said than done.
The heatwave, however, is unimpressed. A fresh heat dome will reach its height on Wednesday, when temperatures could climb to as high as 42C. Hungary’s absolute temperature record was broken only about a month ago in Szécsény, where 42.0C was measured on 30 June. Now there is a chance that figure could be exceeded.
When the change arrives
On Thursday, the heat should ease, albeit only slightly. Developing cloud could produce showers and thunderstorms, while northerly winds will freshen, with gusts potentially reaching storm force. By Friday, temperatures will have fallen a few degrees, though highs of 39C may still be recorded in the Great Plain. By the weekend, the weather will be moving closer to Carpathian Basin normality, with daytime maxima of 28 to 34C.
Forecasts also agree that significant rainfall is unlikely before the end of August at the earliest. Over the next 8 to 10 days — the period over which meteorology can still offer a relatively reliable forecast — there is no prospect of substantial rain capable of easing the drought.
Water-use restrictions and other extraordinary measures introduced in Hungary to avert crisis
The Danube rises unexpectedly
There is, however, one piece of good news amid Hungary’s extreme weather. Although only a matter of millimetres separated Paks 2’s unit from being shut down overnight, the closure was ultimately avoided. What is more, the Danube has begun to rise unexpectedly: water levels have increased by several centimetres, and a further rise is expected in the coming days. According to the National Water Directorate, the river stood at just 9cm in Budapest on Sunday, rising to 14cm by Monday and 15cm by early Tuesday. By the weekend, it could reach 38cm in the capital. The situation at Paks is less encouraging, with 24.hu reporting that no sustained rise can yet be spoken of. Even so, unit 2 of the nuclear plant continues to generate at 50pc capacity, or 240MW, providing a valuable boost to Hungary’s power grid.
The full damage is only visible at record-low water levels – why is the Danube still being polluted? – photos
