Hungary is warming at an alarming pace, with climate experts warning that the country’s central regions have become some of the fastest-heating areas in Europe over the past three decades.
Hungary is warming way too quickly
According to renowned climate scientist Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, a professor at Central European University (CEU) and a member of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the rate of warming in central Hungary now significantly exceeds both the global and European averages.
In a recent social media post, the researcher highlighted that Europe is already warming roughly twice as fast as the global average. However, parts of Hungary are experiencing an even more dramatic rise in temperatures.
Compared with countries such as Ireland or northern parts of England, the pace of warming in Hungary is estimated to be five to seven times faster, equivalent to an increase of approximately 0.75–1°C per decade. “This is a huge rush towards madness,” the climate expert warned, stressing that the consequences are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Agriculture and water supplies under growing pressure
The rapid rise in temperatures is expected to place enormous strain on Hungary’s agriculture, water resources and wider economy. Experts have repeatedly warned that the country’s already vulnerable water reserves could come under even greater pressure as prolonged droughts and heatwaves become more frequent.
Ürge-Vorsatz argued that climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but an issue directly affecting people’s health, livelihoods and finances. “We urgently need to recognise that this is a matter that deeply impacts our bodies, our wallets and our health,” she said, calling climate action one of Hungary’s most important priorities.
The researcher also emphasised that meaningful action is still possible. While every delay makes future adaptation more costly and difficult, she believes timely measures could still deliver greater economic and social benefits than sacrifices, writes Telex.
More on Hungary’s weather: Heatwave grips Hungary, staying in the sun increasingly hazardous as week unfolds
Extreme heat grips the country
The warning comes as the country prepares for another spell of exceptional summer heat. A powerful “heat dome” that has developed over Western Europe is gradually moving eastwards, bringing scorching temperatures across large parts of the continent.
Meteorological forecasts suggest temperatures could approach 40°C in the coming days. In response, the national public health authorities have issued a third-degree heat alert covering the entire country from Saturday until Tuesday.
The extreme conditions are already affecting daily life. State railway operator MÁV has announced free drinking water distribution at major stations during the hottest hours of the day and urged passengers to plan journeys carefully, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and ensure they carry sufficient fluids.
With another intense heatwave arriving, scientists say the soaring temperatures show that climate change is no longer a future threat for Hungary: it is already reshaping the country in the present days.
Read also: Hellish heatwave as Western Europe’s ‘heat dome’ turns towards Hungary – here’s what to expect
