A new Hungarian heat record was set on Saturday as temperatures climbed to 40.0°C, or 104°F, in Budakalász, just north of Budapest. HungaroMet said the reading marked a new national daily maximum temperature record, while Budapest also broke its daily heat record during the same extreme heatwave.

Hungary heat record broken in Budakalász

According to HungaroMet, the temperature reached 40.0°C at its Budakalász weather station on Saturday. This broke the previous national daily maximum record for the date, which had stood at 37.5°C, measured in Örkény in 1994.

The record was not limited to daytime highs. In Boda, in southern Hungary, the temperature only fell to 26.3°C overnight, setting a new national record for the highest daily minimum temperature. The previous record was 24.5°C, measured at Győr-Likócs in 2019.

For foreign readers, this second figure is especially important: a very high minimum temperature means the body gets little chance to recover overnight. Such “tropical nights” can make heatwaves more dangerous, particularly for elderly people, young children, pregnant women and those with cardiovascular conditions.

Budapest also breaks daily heat records

Budapest also saw new daily records. At the Újpest station, the temperature rose to 39.8°C, or about 103.6°F. This set a new daily maximum temperature record for the capital, surpassing the previous 36.5°C recorded at the Budapest Országút station in 1935.

The capital also broke its daily record for the highest minimum temperature. In Budapest Lágymányos, the temperature dropped only to 24.6°C overnight. The previous capital record for the date was 24.3°C, also measured in Lágymányos, in 2006.

These figures show that the heatwave is affecting Hungary not only during the afternoon peak, but also through the night. In large cities such as Budapest, built-up areas can retain heat for longer, making nights less comfortable and increasing health risks.

Another record may fall on Sunday

By 9 AM on Sunday, temperatures had already reached around 30°C across most of Hungary, with only a few areas near the south-western and north-eastern borders remaining slightly cooler, according to the government information website cited by MTI. Forecasts suggested highs of around 35–40°C during the hottest hours of the day, with only isolated showers possible and no meaningful relief expected.

The national daily record for Sunday stands at 39.9°C, measured in Szerep in 1935. Authorities said this record was also expected to be broken. By early Monday morning, temperatures are forecast to fall to around 18–22°C, or 64–72°F.

If you missed it: When the historic heatwave will finally break in Hungary — but little relief is expected

Highest-level heat alert remains in force

Hungary is currently under a third-degree heat alert, the highest level in the national system. The National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Centre said the alert was raised to third degree from 27 June and is in force until midnight on 30 June across the whole country.

The authorities warned that prolonged extreme heat places both physical and mental strain on the body. They advised people to drink water regularly, avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, stay in the shade or cooled spaces during the hottest hours, and never leave children or pets in parked cars.

Why it matters

The latest Hungary heat record is part of a broader and increasingly severe heatwave affecting the country and much of Europe. For Hungary, the danger lies not only in record afternoon temperatures, but also in the lack of nighttime cooling.

The combination of 40°C daytime heat, warm nights and a nationwide highest-level heat alert means residents and visitors should take the warnings seriously. The next official measurements will show whether Sunday brings yet another record in what has already become one of the most extreme heat periods of the summer.

What’s next? Alarming: Hungary is warming up faster than almost everywhere in Europe