Severe weather warning issued: Hungary braces for dangerous storms, high winds, and hail this weekend

Hungary is experiencing an early taste of summer, with temperatures in many areas reaching close to 30°C as May begins. The sunny, warm weather has brought daytime highs more typical of June, and meteorologists report that the start of May has seen plenty of sunshine and only a few scattered clouds across the country. However, the dry spell is a growing concern, especially for agriculture, as much-needed rainfall has been both scarce and unevenly distributed.

Dry soils and uneven rainfall

While some southwestern, central, and northern regions received ample rain during a brief wet period last week, large areas of the Great Hungarian Plain—especially in the east and southeast—remain parched. The top 10–30 cm of soil in these regions is notably dry, making it difficult for crops like corn, sunflower, and soybean to sprout and thrive. Meteorologists emphasise the need for the “golden” May rains, which are vital for successful planting and crop growth.

Weekend weather shift: Storms and cooler air

The weather pattern is set to change over the weekend. A frontal system is approaching Hungary, and by Saturday, the country will see a marked increase in wind speeds, prompting weather warnings for gusts of 60–90 km/h. Thunderstorms may develop in the northeast during the early afternoon, with a higher chance of severe storms-including hail and heavy rain-spreading from the northwest to the north and northeast later in the day.