Hungary's rail network slows as extreme heat hits tracks

Record high temperatures have pushed track surface readings to as much as 56 °C across Hungary. In response, the MÁV Group imposed speed limits on 13 railway lines and parts of the Budapest HÉV network from Saturday noon, reducing maximum speeds to about 20 km/h. The restrictions are expected to cause 5‑15 minute delays but keep services running. MÁV warned that the heat‑induced track deformations can only be repaired during the cooler nighttime hours.

The heatwave, driven by a strong El Niño‑related “heat dome”, has triggered a third‑degree heat alert nationwide, with many places already recording temperatures near or above 40 °C and new daily heat records being set. Environment minister Gajdos László used his social‑media platform to caution that the extreme heat will stress people, animals, forests and water resources, urging responsible water use, fire bans and care for vulnerable individuals and pets.

Meteorological services forecast the high temperatures to persist through the end of June, with only a modest cooling expected in early July. The combination of record heat and rail speed restrictions underlines the broader challenges Hungary faces in coping with the ongoing heatwave.