Hungary hits 42 °C record as European heat dome engulfs continent

A rare convergence of hot air masses from West Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula created a persistent high‑pressure “heat dome” over Europe in late June 2026. The dome drove extreme temperatures across the continent, with France, Spain and Germany all reporting record highs. In Hungary, the HungaroMet study documented a peak of 42 °C in Szécsény, breaking the national absolute heat record. The rapid 10‑minute jump from 40.3 °C to 42 °C was attributed to a dying thunderstorm that locally heated the air.

The intense heat disrupted infrastructure and daily life. In Hungary, FLIRT regional trains were halted as rails softened, and several heat‑related deaths were recorded. French residents revived an old practice, coating windows with Blanc de Meudon chalk to reflect sunlight, though health warnings about inhaling the fine powder were issued. Along the Adriatic coast, tourists in Croatia described unbearable conditions, with many reconsidering summer travel to Southern Europe.

The event highlighted broader climate‑change concerns, prompting calls for urban greening, better heat‑resilient transport, and public‑health measures as the heat dome gradually weakened after a cold front moved in toward the end of June.