Brace yourselves! Extreme UV-B radiation and heatwave hit Hungary

Extreme UV-B radiation heat wave Hungary weather
Extreme UV-B radiation. Source: MTI

Not only will it be blisteringly hot today, but UV-B radiation levels will be so high that you could get sunburnt in just 15 minutes. Here’s what to expect for the rest of the week—holidaymakers will be pleased, that’s for sure.

Prepare for extreme UV-B radiation

Last week marked the first true heatwave of the summer, but over the weekend, temperatures dipped slightly—giving Hungarians a brief respite from the 100-degree heat. This week, the high temperatures return, continuing a trend that began weeks ago, with most of the country seeing no rainfall. Experts are raising the alarm: unless significant investments are made soon in water retention infrastructure, vast agricultural regions of the Great Hungarian Plain may soon turn into deserts.

Extreme high UV-B radiation and heatwave hit Hungary
Extreme heat returns. Photo: MTI

Back to today’s weather: extreme UV-B radiation is forecast, making it highly inadvisable to sunbathe between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—even at the beach. If exposure is unavoidable, sunscreen, hats, and cover-ups are essential. For people with average skin types, today’s projected UV-B level of 8 could cause a painful sunburnt in just 15 minutes. Temperatures could reach up to 35°C (95°F) in some areas, although northern and north-western winds are expected to provide slight relief, according to the meteorological service HungaroMet.

Lake Balaton beach weather sunny
Lake Balaton – the best place to go when there is a heatwave. Photo: Helló Magyar

We also have some good news—check it out:

  • Four new free beaches could soon open along the Danube in Budapest
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The heatwave continues

What can we expect for the rest of the week? Even hotter days. Tuesday’s highs will range from 28–33°C (82–91°F), Wednesday will reach 32–36°C (90–97°F), and by Thursday, temperatures could soar to 39°C (102°F). Overnight lows will remain above 12–14°C (54–57°F) across the country, with cities staying even warmer. Don’t expect strong winds, rainfall, or cloud cover to offer any reprieve.

Extreme high UV-B radiation and heatwave hit Hungary 1
Extreme-high UV-B radiation hits Hungary – protect yourselves! Photo: MTI (taken in front of the Nyugati railway station in Budapest).

While it’s still too early to provide an exact weekend forecast, HungaroMet predicts the weather pattern will persist. So, if you’ve got a lakeside trip planned and aren’t keen on tanning at midday, you’re in for a good getaway.

From today through Friday, Hungary is under a Level 2 heat alert. Lighting fires outdoors is strictly prohibited, and staying hydrated is strongly advised. Grilling is still permitted in private gardens

Extreme high UV-B radiation and heatwave hit Hungary
Staying hydrated will be critical in the coming days. Source: MTI

To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar

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