Hungary reaches 42 °C national heat record amid extreme heatwave

On Tuesday the Hungarian Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) recorded a new national temperature record of 42 °C in Szécsény, near the Slovak border, while Budapest reached 41 °C, breaking the capital’s previous high of 40.7 °C set in 2007. The service said, “Preliminary data show both the national temperature record and the capital’s record were broken.” A third‑level heat alert was extended for four days across the whole country, with red‑code warnings for dangerous heat. More than 120 municipalities imposed water‑use restrictions, and Prime Minister Péter Magyar urged citizens to work from home and conserve water. Health officials warned of severe strain on the population, especially the elderly, children and those with chronic conditions, and reported hundreds of emergency calls. A cold front is expected to arrive on Wednesday, bringing thunderstorms, hail and gusts up to 90 km/h, which should lower daytime temperatures by about 10 °C, though evening highs may still stay near 30 °C. The front may provide brief relief but also bring heavy rain and local flooding.