Hungary is set for a notable cold shift in weather conditions on Monday: the persistent grey, damp inversion layer of recent days will finally clear, giving way to rain, showers, thunderstorms and gale-force winds. But the change does not stop there: from midweek, a surge of Arctic air will sweep across Europe, bringing several degrees of frost to Hungary as well.
Cold front arrives on Monday: rain, lightning and strong winds
While foggy, overcast conditions will linger in many areas on Sunday, the south-westerly wind has already pushed out the damp air in some regions. In the sunnier parts of the country, temperatures may climb to between 14°C and 21°C, while fog-prone northern areas are likely to see only 7–13°C today.
The real shift, however, comes on Monday. Rain may begin as early as Sunday evening in northern and north-western areas, and these regions could see more than 20 mm of precipitation in just 24 hours, according to Időkép.
Southern and south-eastern areas will not be spared either: showers and occasional thunderstorms may develop, potentially accompanied by hail or downpours. Behind the front, winds will turn north-westerly by the evening, with stormy gusts in many places.
The cold front will essentially split the country in two: the north-west will see cool, rainy weather with temperatures between 8°C and 14°C, while the south-east may still enjoy occasional sunshine and 15–21°C thanks to southerly winds.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Tuesday: clouds break up, but the cooling begins
By Tuesday, the front will move away, allowing sunshine in many areas, though light rain or showers may still occur in the east. Temperatures will already begin to fall, signalling that a more significant change is on the way.
Arctic blast to sweep across Europe — and Hungary will not be spared
From midweek, a more intense, Arctic-origin cold spell will reach Europe. A blocking high-pressure system over the North Atlantic is set to completely reshape the continent’s weather: the usual mild westerly flow will be replaced by a far colder northerly air mass, Severe Weather reports.
The cooling is expected to unfold as follows:
- The cold reaches France and Germany first,
- then, around Wednesday, it spreads to Central Europe, bringing freezing air to Hungary as well.
Current models indicate that between Wednesday and Friday, overnight lows will drop to between –3°C and –7°C in many parts of the country. The coldest temperatures are expected in the Alpokalja region, western Transdanubia and higher elevations.
Illustration. Photo: depositphotos.com
Could it snow? Yes, but only briefly
The incoming cold air may turn rain into sleet or light snow at times, but significant snow cover is expected mainly in mountainous regions such as the Alps, the Pyrenees and Scandinavia. In the lowlands of Hungary, only brief and weak snowfall is likely.
According to current forecasts, the Arctic cold will remain with us until the end of next week, with much of Europe experiencing the chilliest period of the year so far.
Photo: Facebook/Advent Bazilika
