Traditional August 20th Fireworks Canceled

The operative board responsible for the safe organization of the national holiday on August 20 decided to postpone the fireworks display due to the expected adverse weather conditions.

According to the state news agency MTI, based on the latest comprehensive forecast of the National Meteorological Service and the situation assessment of fireworks and event organizers, the operative board concluded that it was unsafe to hold the fireworks display, scheduled for 9 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled to be held next Saturday evening at 9 p.m.

Due to the expected adverse weather conditions, the St Stephen's Day Mass will be held in St. Stephen's Basilica instead of the planned outdoors event in St Stephen's Square.

The National Meteorological Service said in a warning on Saturday afternoon that thunderstorms are expected to continue in several waves across the country. The thunderstorms may be accompanied mainly by downpours (up to 50 millimeters of precipitation in some places), but may also be accompanied by localized hail (typically with ice chunks of 1-3 centimeters in diameter) and gusty winds.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in force for the whole country. A cloudburst warning has also been issued for most parts of the country, including the capital, Pest, Baranya, Bács-Kiskun, Békés, Csongrád-Csanád, Fejér, Heves, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komárom-Esztergom, Nógrád, Somogy and Tolna counties.