Hungary’s first major heatwave of the summer is showing no signs of easing, with forecasters warning that temperatures could reach as high as 38°C by next weekend.
According to the latest forecast from HungaroMet, the hot weather that swept across the country this weekend will continue throughout the coming week. While occasional thunderstorms may bring temporary relief at the beginning of the week, meteorologists expect mostly sunny and increasingly hot conditions to dominate in the days ahead.
The prolonged spell of extreme heat is part of a weather pattern affecting much of Europe, where unusually high temperatures are being recorded from the Iberian Peninsula to Scandinavia.
Thunderstorms and hail possible on Monday
The most unsettled weather is expected on Monday, when strong sunshine will be interrupted by the development of showers and thunderstorms in several parts of the country.
Forecasters warn that some storms could become severe, bringing heavy downpours, hail and strong wind gusts. Areas east of the Danube are expected to face the highest risk of storm activity, although other regions could also be affected during the afternoon and evening.
Despite the possibility of storms, temperatures will still reach between 30°C and 35°C.
Dry and increasingly hot weather from midweek
After Monday, the likelihood of rainfall will decrease significantly. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to bring plenty of sunshine with only isolated showers possible. Daytime temperatures will continue to range between 30°C and 35°C, while overnight lows will generally remain between 14°C and 20°C.
By Thursday and Friday, conditions are forecast to become completely dry across most of Hungary. Maximum temperatures will rise further, reaching between 31°C and 37°C.
Temperatures could reach 38°C next weekend
The hottest weather of the week is expected to arrive next weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, HungaroMet forecasts clear or only slightly cloudy skies, virtually no chance of precipitation and temperatures climbing to between 33°C and 38°C in the hottest parts of the country.
Night-time temperatures will also remain unusually high, especially in urban areas and near lakes, offering little relief from the daytime heat.
Heatwave stretches across Europe
Hungary is not alone in experiencing exceptionally hot weather. Across Europe, a persistent high-pressure system continues to drive temperatures well above seasonal averages. In southern Spain, temperatures could approach 40°C, while regions of Denmark, southern Sweden and northern Poland are also experiencing unusually warm conditions, with daytime highs near 30°C.
Meteorologists say the high-pressure system dominating Central Europe is expected to remain in place for much of the week, preventing cooler air masses from reaching the region.
Health authorities urge caution
With the heat expected to persist for several more days, authorities continue to advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and pay particular attention to children, older adults and vulnerable people.
Drivers are also being urged to exercise extra caution, as high temperatures and possible thunderstorms can create challenging conditions on the roads.
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