Spring is here, yet snow blankets Hungary – video

After an unusually protracted and severe winter in Hungary, spring has been with us for weeks, with daytime temperatures reaching around 20°C. Yesterday, however, an unexpected snow shower struck the country, blanketing the landscape in white within minutes.

Cooler conditions prevail in several areas

According to the HungaroMet report cited by MTI, yesterday’s temperatures were 2-6°C cooler than on Monday. Moreover, gusting and strengthening winds across Transdanubia and the northeast made it feel even chillier.

The accompanying infographic shows the most marked temperature drops in southern Hungary, with parts of Baranya and Somogy counties up to 7°C cooler than the previous day. Northern Hungary, including Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county and the Mátra range, saw similar declines of 6-7°C compared to Monday. The least cooling occurred in eastern and northwest Hungary, where some spots recorded temperatures akin to Monday’s.

Snow showers arrive unannounced

Unsurprisingly, the coldest conditions yesterday were atop the highest peaks, particularly at Kékes, Hungary’s loftiest point at 1,014 metres. An Időkép article attributes a further few degrees of cooling at the summit to a cold air drop, shifting precipitation from rain to snow as temperatures hovered around freezing. What had been falling as rain turned into a flurry of white snow showers in minutes, soon draping the entire area in a snowy veil.

Hail followed the snow, leaving the ground dusted as if sprinkled with icing sugar. Here is a video of the unexpected mid-March snow shower:

Outlook ahead

Temperatures

HungaroMet forecasts daytime highs of 11-16°C on Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows between -3°C and +6°C. Saturday and Sunday will see similar minima and maxima.

Precipitation

Sunshine will dominate the week, though showers may develop in several areas from Friday.

Wind

Easterly to northeasterly winds will prevail in the second half of the week, occasionally fresh and gusty.

If you missed our previous articles concerning Hungary’s weather:

• Earthquake felt near Hungary-Slovakia border
• Powerful geomagnetic storm bathes Lake Balaton and Hungary in otherworldly glow – photos, video
• Let’s admire it together: Lake Balaton has frozen over for the first time in 9 years – VIDEO