Worried there won’t be a white Christmas again in Hungary? Here’s the latest forecast – there’s still hope
Although snowy Christmases have become rare in recent years and decades, there is still a chance to see snow this year. According to the latest forecasts, Christmas Eve is expected to be wet and slightly windy, with some regions possibly experiencing sleet or snowfall.
Precipitation could result from two colliding air masses
The meteorological situation is linked to a major shift across Europe. In the days leading up to Christmas, a strengthening anticyclone over Scandinavia and the British Isles is disrupting the usual westerly flow, while cold air is being drawn across the continent from its eastern and southern edges. At the same time, a Mediterranean cyclone is likely to form over the Mediterranean, bringing milder, more humid air northwards, Időkép reports.
On Christmas Eve, the Carpathian Basin will lie precisely on the boundary between these two contrasting air masses, creating favourable conditions for precipitation. Forecasts suggest that most of the country can expect some form of precipitation, though the exact locations and whether it will fall as rain or snow remain uncertain.
Where could snow fall on Christmas Eve?
Current calculations indicate that Northern Hungary and parts of Transdanubia have the best chances of seeing precipitation turn into sleet or snow. The decisive factor will be how much the upper layers of air cool in the days leading up to the holiday. Further south and across much of the Great Plain, rain is more likely, though conditions may still change.
Daylight begins to lengthen after the year’s shortest day
Winter officially begins on Sunday, 21 December, marking the winter solstice and the year’s shortest day. Sunrise will occur at 7:27 AM and sunset at 3:56 PM, giving just over eight and a half hours of daylight. From this point, however, the days will gradually, but surely, start to lengthen, Telex reports.
Weather for the fourth Sunday of Advent
According to HungaroMet, the fourth Sunday of Advent is expected to be mostly grey, overcast, and humid, with localised fog in some areas. Cloud breaks may occur in smaller regions, with slightly better chances in the eastern plains (Tiszántúl). Light drizzle is possible almost anywhere, with weak winds and temperatures ranging between 3 °C and 8 °C.
Keep an eye on updated forecasts
Overall, an intriguing yet still uncertain weather situation is developing for Christmas. In the coming days, it will become clear whether snow will actually arrive on Christmas Eve, or whether most of the country will once again experience a grey Christmas. Experts recommend keeping an eye on the latest forecasts in the run-up to the holidays.