Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in

Hungary is set to experience a decisive winter turn as the final days of the year bring freezing temperatures, biting winds, and the return of snow in several waves. While the change will also usher in clearer, sunnier skies, nights will be marked by severe frosts across much of the country.

Snow and sunshine after Christmas

Although only western Hungary saw snowfall on Christmas Eve, conditions are expected to change nationwide by the end of December. According to Időkép’s forecast, cold air arriving in multiple phases will bring snow showers to several regions, while daytime temperatures are unlikely to climb above 4°C.

From December 26 and throughout the weekend, many parts of the country can expect bright sunshine. However, night-time temperatures will drop below freezing almost everywhere, with frost-prone areas seeing lows close to -10°C.

• White Christmas arrives in Sopron as snow falls across north-west Hungary

Arctic air arrives from the north

The cold spell will be driven by a large-scale atmospheric shift. An extensive cyclone system over north-eastern Europe, combined with a strengthening anticyclone near Iceland and the British Isles, will funnel frigid air into the Carpathian Basin from the north and north-west.

The first wave of this cold air is expected overnight into Sunday. While widespread snowfall is not anticipated at this stage, isolated snow showers may occur, accompanied by strengthening north-westerly winds.

More cold fronts and snow showers ahead

A second cold front is forecast to arrive early Tuesday, bringing additional snow showers and gusty winds. Temperatures will remain well below seasonal averages, and no significant warming is expected before New Year’s Eve.

By 31 December, snow showers may become more frequent in several areas, with strong or even stormy winds persisting. Forecasts suggest occasional snowfall or flurries could continue into early January, potentially lasting until at least 4 January, with further snow showers possible around 6 January.

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Brighter days, colder nights

Despite the cold, the weather outlook includes a notable upside: sunshine. Following weeks of stagnant air and persistent cloud cover, the atmosphere is finally set to mix and dry out, allowing for clearer skies across much of Hungary.

From the day after Christmas until the end of the year, conditions are expected to remain largely sunny and dry, according to The Weather on Maps. Morning fog or low cloud may form in isolated areas, particularly on Saturday, but most regions should enjoy bright winter days.

New Year’s Eve could be the coldest night

The coldest temperatures of the period are likely to arrive on New Year’s Eve night. As Hungary welcomes the New Year, temperatures could fall to between -2°C and -12°C by the early hours of 1 January, depending on location.

While daytime highs may creep above freezing in many areas, the combination of frost, wind, and occasional snow showers will ensure winter makes its presence felt.

According to current forecasts, more unsettled and wetter conditions may return during the first weekend of January, but until then, Hungary can expect a crisp, wintry end to the year.