Hungary endures record heat, water restrictions and power outages

Hungary experienced an unprecedented heatwave in late June 2026, breaking national and Budapest daily temperature records. On 29 June, Budakalász recorded 40.7 °C and Újpest 40.6 °C, while a new minimum temperature record of 26.1 °C was set in Budapest. Meteorologists warned that a second heat dome could raise temperatures to around 42 °C before a cold front brings showers, thunderstorms and relief in early July.

The extreme heat drove a surge in electricity demand, leading to transformer failures and localized blackouts in Budapest’s XI and XIV districts and in several towns in Pest County. Simultaneously, water consumption spiked, prompting first‑degree water restrictions in dozens of Pest County municipalities. The Daköv Kft. water supplier and the Duna‑Menti Regional Water Company banned hose irrigation (6 am–11 pm), street washing, automatic sprinklers, car washing and pool filling, urging residents to conserve.

Local authorities also highlighted severe water‑level drops, such as the historic low of 49 cm at Lake Velence’s Agárd monitoring point, and urged coordinated conservation measures. Citizens were advised to shift electricity‑intensive tasks (e.g., charging devices, operating appliances) to evening hours and to reduce air‑conditioning use. Forecasts predict a cold front mid‑week bringing rain and cooler temperatures, offering temporary respite from the heatwave.