Debrecen4U
June 26, 2026
Chief Medical Officer Issues Highest-Level Heat Alert from Saturday
At yesterday’s government press briefing, Chief Medical Officer Beatrix Oroszi announced that, while a Level 2 heat alert is currently in force, a Level 3 alert will take effect across the whole of Hungary from midnight on 27 June.
She warned that the country is expected to experience extreme heat for at least four consecutive days, with average daily temperatures reaching or exceeding 29°C. In several regions, daytime highs are expected to remain around 38–40°C. According to meteorological forecasts, this could be the most intense and dangerous heatwave of the year so far, with few comparable events seen over the past two decades.
The Chief Medical Officer stressed that extreme heat is not merely uncomfortable but also places considerable strain on the human body. Those at greatest risk include older people, infants and young children, as well as pregnant women, people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, those living with diabetes, people with reduced mobility, homeless individuals, and anyone carrying out physical work or sporting activities outdoors.
She warned that no one is immune to the effects of extreme heat. Regardless of age, anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion or become unwell. During hot weather, people sweat more, lose more fluids and face an increased risk of dehydration. The heart has to work harder, while maintaining a stable body temperature requires significantly more energy. Prolonged periods of heat can therefore leave the body exhausted.
She advised everyone to drink more fluids than usual, preferably water, avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, stay out of direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. wherever possible, and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that allows the body to cool naturally through perspiration. Homes should be ventilated during the early morning or late evening hours, kept shaded throughout the day, and, where possible, cooled using fans or other cooling methods.
She also reminded the public never to leave children, elderly people or pets in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, and advised people to swim only at designated bathing areas and never to jump into water while overheated.
Beatrix Oroszi called on everyone to look after themselves, their families and those living nearby over the coming days. A simple phone call or offering someone a glass of water could save a life, she said, encouraging people to check on parents, relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and ask whether they need assistance.
Pál Kádár, Director General of the Defence Administration Office, said there is currently no crisis in Hungary’s energy supply requiring extraordinary intervention. He added that national energy consumption currently stands at 95 per cent of the highest level ever recorded.
In a Facebook post, Minister of Economy and Energy István Kapitány highlighted that it is particularly important to pay attention to electricity consumption during the evening peak period between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. He asked everyone to reduce the use of air conditioning during these hours, instead cooling homes overnight or during the early morning, and postpone charging devices such as laptops, mobile phones and electric vehicles, as well as running household appliances with high energy consumption, until after 9 p.m.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Pixabay
