Hungary braces for extreme heatwave as temperatures near 40 °C

Hungarian meteorological services have warned that a prolonged heatwave will dominate the country through early August, with daytime highs predicted to exceed 35 °C across most regions and approach or surpass 40 °C in several locations. The forecast calls for at least one weak cold front on Monday, after which southerly winds will bring increasingly warm air, extending the heatwave until about 7 August.

The heatwave is accompanied by a severe agricultural drought, with the HungaroMet drought map indicating that roughly 90 % of the country is under medium or severe drought conditions. Vulnerable groups—including the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses—are advised to maintain fluid intake, avoid midday outdoor activity and seek cooler environments.

Similar extreme temperatures are being recorded across Central Europe. Austria’s meteorological service expects record‑breaking highs of 38‑41 °C, and Slovakia is forecast to see up to 38 °C in its southwestern region. A recent insurance‐industry report highlighted that 17 European nations experienced record‑high June temperatures in 2026, underscoring the broader climate‑related risk.