Hungary is set to endure another day of the extreme summer heatwave, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 40°C on Sunday after the country experienced a record-warm night.

According to the latest forecast from HungaroMet, most of the country will enjoy sunny or only slightly cloudy skies, although isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop later in the day in parts of the North Hungarian Mountains and the Transdanubian Mountains.

Heatwave soaring to 40°C

Afternoon highs are forecast to range between 34°C and 40°C, while even after sunset temperatures are expected to remain exceptionally high, falling to only 25–32°C by late evening.

Winds will generally be light to moderate, although stronger north-easterly breezes are possible in some areas. Any thunderstorms that develop could be accompanied by temporary gale-force wind gusts of 60–70 km/h, small hail and intense downpours.

Record-breaking tropical night

The intense heatwave follows an exceptionally warm night from Saturday into Sunday. HungaroMet reported that its weather station on János Hill in Budapest recorded a minimum temperature of 26°C, making it the warmest dawn on record for this date. For comparison, the previous record was a “mere” 24.9°C.

Across much of the country, average daily temperatures on Saturday reached or exceeded 29°C. Saturday’s daytime maximum also came close to breaking the national record, highlighting the severity of the ongoing heatwave.

Heat warning remains in force

HungaroMet has maintained its warning for persistently high average daily temperatures. On both Sunday and Monday, average temperatures are expected to remain above 29°C across most of Hungary, while areas near the north-eastern and south-western borders are forecast to see daily averages of 27–29°C.

Meteorologists also warn that isolated thunderstorms may develop again on Monday, particularly in the North Hungarian Mountains and possibly central parts of the country. These storms could bring strong wind gusts, small hail and locally heavy rainfall.

Authorities urge caution

With temperatures remaining dangerously high both during the day and overnight, authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours, and take extra care of children, elderly people and those with chronic health conditions.

The prolonged tropical nights, during which temperatures remain unusually high after dark, also increase the health risks associated with the ongoing heatwave.

Péter Magyar: The next five days are going to be the most critical

Following the shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant and amid the extreme heatwave, Hungary will be entering its “most critical five-day period”, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on Sunday.

In a video message posted on Facebook, the prime minister said that starting Monday, the Paks plant will produce no electricity at all, while the country was facing the hottest days, with temperatures reaching 40°C.

People need to use the least possible amount of electricity

As a result, the electricity system, public services and the population will face enormous strain, he warned. Magyar urged everyone to pay even closer attention to vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, the sick, and those living alone, from Monday.

He also called for even more conscious electricity conservation between 5 PM and 10 PM, particularly between 6 PM and 9 PM, asking businesses, institutions, local councils and individuals to significantly reduce or postpone their power consumption during this window.

Read also: Budapest smashes 105-year heat record as brutal heatwave tightens grip on Hungary