Brace yourself! Severe winter weather set to return to Hungary

Hungary is bracing for a brief but intense return of winter conditions later this week, with meteorological authorities warning of snowfall, icy rain, strong winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures across several regions.

Winter strikes again

According to forecasts, wintry precipitation could begin early on Thursday in western parts of Hungary, particularly in Transdanubia, where snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all possible. By the morning hours, similar conditions are expected to reach Budapest and the Northern Hungarian Mountains, initially bringing snowfall and sleet before turning into rain later in the day.

Not everyone will receive the same amount of snow

Meteorologists say snowfall totals will vary significantly by region. Areas south of the capital may see little accumulation, while locations to the north could receive more than 5 centimetres of fresh snow. In mountainous areas, accumulations between 3 and 8 centimetres are likely, with up to 10 centimetres possible along the northern border. Further precipitation is expected to arrive from the southwest on Thursday afternoon, with forecasts indicating between 10 and 20 millimetres. However, experts say it remains uncertain whether this will fall as rain, sleet, or snow.

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Winter weather will peak again on Friday

Conditions may worsen early on Friday, when another wave of wintry weather is forecast to move in from the northwest. Northern Transdanubia could see 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, with even heavier amounts possible in some western counties. Strong, gusty winds are also expected in northeastern regions and western Hungary, raising the risk of snowdrifts and difficult travel conditions. Temperatures are set to plunge overnight into Saturday, with lows potentially dropping to between –10°C and –15°C in some areas.

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Most importantly: stay safe!

Authorities urge residents to monitor weather updates and road conditions before travelling. Drivers are advised to use only vehicles properly prepared for winter conditions and to clear snow from the entire vehicle—not just the windscreen—before setting off. It is also recommended to carry food, drinking water, and warm clothing in case of delays.

Officials warn that anyone encountering people in distress or damaged infrastructure should contact emergency services via the 112 hotline. In the event of prolonged utility failures causing heating outages, disaster management teams will work with local municipalities to open temporary warming centres. If any settlements become temporarily inaccessible due to severe weather, emergency services say they will ensure residents continue to receive essential support.

The coming days are expected to bring rapidly changing conditions, and authorities emphasise that caution and preparation will be key to staying safe during the late-winter cold snap.