Szeged cited as example of dangerous urban heat island effects

Experts are warning about the life-threatening dangers of urban heat islands, citing Szeged as a primary example. Geographer Gábor László Vasárus notes that dark-colored paving materials, such as graphite gray and brick red stones, absorb heat during the day and radiate it back at night. This phenomenon prevents the human body from resting during tropical nights, which can lead to increased mortality rates, particularly among the elderly and those with circulatory diseases.

Research indicates that heat island effects are no longer limited to major capitals like Budapest but are affecting smaller cities and larger agglomeration villages. In Monor, for instance, a temperature difference of approximately 3 degrees Celsius was recorded. Experts emphasize that current domestic regulations and building laws lack necessary considerations for climate change adaptation to mitigate these public health challenges.