Hungary faces extreme heat and thunderstorms as temperatures near 35 °C

A heat wave returned to Hungary in mid‑July 2026, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach 30‑35 °C across most of the country and peaks close to 35 °C in the north‑east. While the heat dominates the weather, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, especially on the western and southern plains and the Transdanubian region, with some areas receiving hail and gusts up to 75 km/h. A first‑degree weather alert was issued for sixteen counties, warning of lightning, strong winds and localised heavy rain.

Health officials warned that the combination of extreme heat and high humidity can trigger heat‑related illnesses, particularly for the elderly, young children, pregnant people and those on certain medications. Antidepressants, antipsychotics and other drugs may impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat‑stroke or cardiac events. The public is advised to stay hydrated—approximately 30‑35 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight per day, adjusted upward for high temperatures—and to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours. If symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, excessive sweating or nausea appear, immediate cooling measures and medical attention are recommended.