Temperatures may already be shattering records, but this is merely a prelude to the extreme heat set to engulf Hungary and the wider Central European region within days. A “heat dome” — the same phenomenon that has brought hellish conditions to Western Europe — is now advancing eastwards.
Heat dome turns towards Central Europe
Data from HungaroMet shows that Central and Eastern Europe remain, for now, within tolerable limits, particularly when compared with the searing heat gripping the west of the continent. Paris, London and Madrid have all seen historic records broken, while the number of heat-related fatalities continues to rise.
The cause is the so-called heat dome, a high-pressure anticyclone that settles over a given area. This mass of high-pressure air prevents rain-bearing fronts from entering the region and blocks the inflow of cooler air. Under largely cloudless skies, solar radiation heats the ground unchecked, while limited precipitation reduces evaporative cooling. These mutually reinforcing processes have led to the prolonged heatwave currently affecting Western Europe.
The troubling development for Central Europe is that such systems are not stationary. The heat dome is moving across the continent — and its trajectory is now set towards the Carpathian Basin. According to the latest simulations, it is expected to arrive as early as tomorrow and persist over the region.
HungaroMet forecasts that by the weekend, maximum temperatures will exceed 35°C nationwide, with increasingly large areas experiencing highs of up to 40°C. The peak is expected early next week, when temperatures may rise above 40°C.
Authorities are urging heightened caution. Adequate hydration, limiting exposure to direct sunlight — particularly around midday and early afternoon — and keeping the body cool are essential. Special attention should be paid to the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases, as well as children, pregnant women and pets. In large cities, the urban heat island effect may push temperatures even higher.
If you missed: Miskolc, Lillafüred landmark Szinva stream turns orange; human error suspected – photos
In response to the extreme conditions, Social Affairs and Family Minister Vilmos Kátai-Németh has extended the highest-level heat alert — the so-called “red code” — until midnight next Tuesday.
Across Western Europe, several countries have already authorised reduced working hours in light of the exceptional weather.
Can river bathing in the Danube return to Budapest in the height of summer? — Photos
The map is not red enough. You need to put flames on anything above the orange. Stick a pic of St. Greta, Al Gore, and John Kerry on there, too.
Come on, guys. What kind of an operation are you running over there?
Must keep up the narrative!