After last week’s intense heatwave, Hungary barely had time to relax before heat returned with a vengeance, as temperatures remained in the 40s (Celsius) during the day and in the mid-25s at night most days of the week.
“The consequences of this unprecedented and prolonged heatwave are becoming increasingly serious,” said meteorologist Ferenc Pintér, director of the Meteo Clinic.
For reference, 40 degrees Celsius is the equivalent to 105 degree Fahrenheit. The government has issued a red alert and a variety of public warnings about the intense heat, with homeless populations under severe threat.
Pintér explained that on Sunday there was a minimal drop in temperatures in the west due to a cold front that approached the region but did not reach it, which only made the situation worse.
The humidity in the air increased due to showers and thunderstorms nearby, making the already high temperatures feel even warmer.
“These extremes have a negative impact not only on humans but also on fauna and flora throughout the region,” warned the expert, who said the lack of rainfall is catastrophic, creating a drought situation and turning Hungary into a disaster zone. With heat stress increasing nationwide, its scale and quantity will also cause more difficulties this week.
AccuWeather predicts Hungarians should expect daytime temperatures well into the high 30s until July 22, and during the nights, temperatures will still be well into the high 20s, making it much harder for the environment to cool down, which could cause further problems.
In recent days, Hungary has been in the news with its extraordinary heatwave. The country has become the boiler of Europe, which is to say the Carpathian Basin is the hottest region on the continent.
While in London it is 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 14 degrees at night, Parisians are experiencing 27 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 degrees at night, and in Berlin, it is 28 degrees Celsius during the day and 19 degrees at night.
Even Rome at daytime highs of 32 degrees is cooler than Budapest at 38 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Tuesday was even warmer, with highs of close to 40 degrees.
Farmers have also been hit hard, with maize crops in particular seeing catastrophic losses. The blistering heat wave has hit maize fields with incredible force, and according to industry experts, with drought and heat expected to reduce output by 1 million tons in just a matter of days, with around 200,000 tons of corn lost every day. If the blistering heat continues, it could amount to a loss of 1.5 million tons or more.
