Hungary’s prolonged heatwave is expected to end with thunderstorms, heavy downpours and strong winds, while temperatures are forecast to fall by as much as 10 degrees by Wednesday night, according to information published on the government’s official website.
The country’s highest, third-level heat alert remains in effect until midnight on Wednesday.
Forecasters expect sunshine to give way to increasing cloud cover during the day, with showers and thunderstorms developing across much of the country. Some storms may bring torrential rain and damaging wind gusts.
From late afternoon, northwesterly winds are expected to strengthen across western Hungary, with temperatures peaking between 32 and 38 degrees Celsius before falling to between 21 and 29 degrees by late evening.
The National Ambulance Service reported responding to 56 heat-related emergency incidents nationwide on Tuesday, representing a 15 per cent increase compared with average daily call-out levels.
Transport operators MÁV and GYSEV continue to monitor rail infrastructure as extreme temperatures affect the network. Speed restrictions remain in place on sections of 27 railway lines, as well as on Budapest’s H5, H6 and H8/H9 suburban railway services.
Authorities also reported 120 locations experiencing minor water supply restrictions because of ongoing technical disruptions. In Zalaszentgrót, the Hungarian Defence Forces are helping maintain water levels in a reservoir operated by Zalavíz Ltd.
Water levels remain critically low at several lakes. The average level of Lake Balaton stands at 74 centimetres, while Lake Velence measured just 48 centimetres at Agárd—one centimetre lower than the previous day and five centimetres below the lowest level ever previously recorded.
The National Directorate General for Disaster Management responded to 68 forest and vegetation fires on Tuesday as dry conditions continued to increase wildfire risks.
Emergency services said no heat-related emergency calls were received through the 112 emergency number on Tuesday, although three precautionary safety interventions were carried out.
Authorities also continued efforts to help residents cope with the extreme temperatures. Police used two water cannon vehicles to provide cooling mist at Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, while the Budapest Volunteer Fire Brigade deployed an additional spraying vehicle. Across Hungary, 744 public misting stations were operating.
The Hungarian Defence Forces distributed 7,000 sachets of drinking water to the Fejér County municipalities of Alcsútdoboz, Felcsút, Mány and Tabajd, while also providing an eight-cubic-metre water tanker to the regional water utility. Another 7,000 water sachets were delivered to the town of Szada in Pest County.
Water shortages in Szada were resolved by late Tuesday evening, with full service expected to be restored during Wednesday. Military water tankers have since been withdrawn from both Szada and Üröm.
Grid operator MAVIR said it had identified no risks to electricity supply despite exceptionally high demand. Peak electricity consumption reached 7,500 MW on Tuesday and is expected to ease to around 6,800 MW on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Economy and Energy has also approved an extension until Friday of the temporary 600 MW output restriction at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Authorities said Hungary’s electricity supply is expected to remain stable despite the reduced nuclear generation.
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