Hungary is facing a nationwide red alert in Hungary as authorities warn that the current heatwave may pose a serious risk to health, especially for vulnerable groups.
HungaroMet, the Hungarian Meteorological Service, issued its highest-level warning for high daily mean temperatures on Monday, 29 June, as the average temperature in most of the country is expected to remain above 29°C. This is not simply a forecast of hot afternoon weather: it means that temperatures are expected to stay dangerously high over a full 24-hour period, including overnight.
Red alert in Hungary: what does it mean?
HungaroMet uses a three-level colour-coded warning system: yellow, orange and red. Red is the highest level and is issued only in rare and dangerous weather situations. According to the meteorological service, a red warning refers to weather events that may threaten human life in many cases and can affect extensive areas.
For high temperature warnings, the red level is triggered when the daily mean temperature is expected to exceed 29°C. This is different from a daytime maximum of 35–40°C. A high daily mean temperature means the body has little chance to recover even during the night, which increases the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke and cardiovascular strain.
HungaroMet also stresses that a warning does not mean the exact same conditions will occur at every single point of the warned area. Rather, it means that conditions are favourable for the dangerous weather event to develop in or near the affected region.
Hungary is also under a third-degree heat alert
In parallel with the meteorological warning, Hungary is under a nationwide third-degree heat alert ordered by the national chief medical officer. The National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy said the alert is in force from 00:00 on Saturday, 27 June, until 24:00 on Tuesday, 30 June.
This public-health alert is separate from HungaroMet’s weather warning, but the message is the same: the heat is no longer merely uncomfortable, it may be dangerous. Authorities say the coming days will place both physical and mental strain on the population. Those most at risk include elderly people, small children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and those living with cardiovascular disease.
People working outdoors, tourists walking around cities, festivalgoers and those spending long periods in direct sunlight should also take extra precautions.
What should residents and tourists do?
Authorities are asking people to drink water regularly, even before they feel thirsty, and to avoid alcohol, caffeine and drinks with a high sugar content, as these may increase the risk of dehydration. During the hottest hours, people should stay in the shade or in air-conditioned places whenever possible.
Light-coloured, breathable clothing, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen and lip protection are also recommended. Those spending time by lakes or rivers should not jump into the water with an overheated body, but cool down gradually first.
One of the most important warnings concerns cars. Children, elderly people and pets must never be left in a parked vehicle, not even for a short time. The inside of a car can heat up rapidly and become life-threatening.
Why is this heatwave so severe?
The current heatwave is part of a wider period of extreme heat affecting much of Europe. The World Meteorological Organization said the late-June heatwave has broken temperature records in several countries and has had major impacts on health, infrastructure, agriculture and labour productivity. Hungary is among the countries affected by the broader European heat episode.
If you missed it: Hungary heat record broken as temperatures reach 40°C near Budapest
Meteorologists have linked the situation to a persistent high-pressure system often described as a “heat dome”, which traps hot air and allows temperatures to build over several days. Climate scientists warn that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting as the climate warms. The WMO notes that Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent and that hot extremes have increased across the region.
When could relief arrive?
According to the current warning information, the most severe heat is expected to affect Hungary on Monday and Tuesday. Some easing is possible from Wednesday, although warnings may remain in place in several areas depending on the latest forecasts.
As we wrote yesterday, a long-awaited change is coming to Hungary’s weather
Until then, the red alert in Hungary should be treated as a serious public-health warning. The safest approach is to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, check on vulnerable relatives or neighbours, carry water, and follow official updates from HungaroMet and the public-health authorities.
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