The National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy and the National Directorate General for Disaster Management said the national chief medical officer has extended the second-degree heat alert, already in force, until midnight on Friday, June 26. From 00:00 on Saturday, June 27, until midnight on Tuesday, June 30, the alert will be raised to third degree for the entire country.

The measure follows forecasts from HungaroMet, Hungary’s meteorological service, which indicate that the current heatwave affecting Europe will also bring persistently high temperatures to Hungary. In many parts of the country, daytime highs are expected to reach between 35 and 41 C in the last days of the month.

The heat alert system is a public health measure designed to warn the population of weather conditions that may pose a risk to health. It is separate from HungaroMet’s own weather warning system, although both are based on forecast temperature data.

Under Hungary’s heat alert system, a second-degree alert is issued when the daily mean temperature is expected to reach or exceed 25 C for at least three consecutive days. The third-degree alert, the highest level, applies when the daily mean temperature is forecast to reach or exceed 27 C for at least three consecutive days.

HungaroMet’s high-temperature warning scale uses a similar but separate three-level structure. A yellow warning indicates that the daily mean temperature may exceed 25 C, an orange warning applies above 27 C, and a red warning is issued when the daily mean temperature may rise above 29 C.

This means that in the coming days Hungary may be subject to both a third-degree public health heat alert and red meteorological warnings in the most affected areas. While the former is ordered by the national chief medical officer, HungaroMet’s warnings are part of the country’s severe weather warning system.

Authorities say prolonged heat can place a significant burden on the body, affecting both physical and mental wellbeing. The risks are especially high for young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those living with cardiovascular conditions. However, officials stress that extreme heat can pose a danger even to healthy adults.

The public has been urged to drink water regularly and not to wait until feeling thirsty before taking in fluids. Alcohol, caffeine and drinks with high sugar content should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of dehydration.

People attending outdoor events, sports programs or festivals are advised to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces where possible, and wear light, well-ventilated clothing. Sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen and lip balm are also recommended.