Hungary is facing mounting pressure from an unprecedented heatwave, with thousands of residents temporarily left without drinking water, water restrictions introduced in several municipalities, and the Paks Nuclear Power Plant forced to reduce electricity production as the Danube reaches record-low levels.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has warned that an energy crisis situation could be declared from Monday if conditions continue to deteriorate, although the government insists there is no immediate emergency.
Thousands without drinking water in Szentendre
Several thousand residents in Szentendre woke up without running drinking water after unusually high consumption overloaded the local water supply system. According to Péter Magyar, the Hungarian Defence Forces have deployed two water tankers and distributed 7,000 bags of drinking water until normal service is restored.
The government and local authorities have urged residents to suspend garden watering and use drinking water only for essential purposes. The municipality said that, despite repeated appeals for water conservation, consumption in the upper Pismány district doubled overnight, exceeding the capacity of the regional water utility and causing supply disruptions.
Water restrictions spread as drought worsens
Szentendre is not the only municipality taking action. From Friday, Veresegyház introduced first-level drinking water restrictions, asking residents not to water gardens with drinking water, fill swimming pools or wash cars. The regional water utility stressed that there is currently no water shortage but said the measures are intended to prevent one.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s Minister responsible for the Living Environment, László Gajdos, warned that the country must prepare for a prolonged period of water scarcity, as no significant rainfall is expected across the Danube or Tisza catchment areas in the coming days.
“Now is the time to pay close attention,” the minister said, warning that unless Hungary changes how it manages its water resources, as many as one million people could be living in desert-like conditions within a few years.
Paks reduces output as Danube reaches record lows
The prolonged drought is also affecting Hungary’s energy sector. The Danube’s water level near Paks has fallen to record lows, forcing the Paks Nuclear Power Plant to cut electricity generation from its normal 2,000 megawatts to around 960 megawatts.
On Thursday, Magyar announced that the plant could be completely shut down within the next 24 to 72 hours for the first time in its 44-year history if water levels continue to fall below critical safety thresholds.
Despite the unprecedented situation, the prime minister stressed that all decisions are being taken with nuclear safety as the top priority and that Hungary’s energy supply remains stable for now. He also noted that
voluntary reductions in electricity consumption helped keep Thursday’s peak demand 151 megawatts below forecasts.
Budapest prepares energy-saving measures
Budapest is also preparing contingency measures should the nuclear plant cease operations. Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced that the capital would switch off the decorative illumination of around 300 public buildings and landmarks if Paks stops generating electricity.
He stressed that public lighting, trams and the city’s water supply infrastructure would continue operating, adding that Budapest’s drinking water supply is not threatened by the Danube’s exceptionally low level.
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Red weather warnings as temperatures approach 39°C
Hungary’s national weather service has issued the highest-level red heat warning for six counties, where average daily temperatures are expected to exceed 29°C.
Daytime highs could reach 39°C in Kecskemét, with temperatures around 38°C in Budapest and Szeged. No meaningful rainfall is forecast, while a nationwide fire ban remains in force.
Authorities continue to urge people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
Tropical nights becoming increasingly common
Experts say the heatwave highlights a longer-term climate trend. Researchers from the Department of Meteorology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) have found that the number of “tropical nights” (when temperatures remain above 20°C overnight) has tripled across Hungary since the turn of the century.
Scientists warn that these increasingly warm nights can be even more harmful than daytime heat because they prevent the human body from recovering, increasing the risk of sleep disorders and cardiovascular stress, particularly among elderly people, children, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and outdoor workers.
If you missed it: Paks NPP shutdown date revealed, PM Péter Magyar says Hungary may face energy crisis
