Heat Alert in Hungary

The heat warning ordered by the national chief medical officer has entered into force in Hungary. The measure is valid until midnight on Tuesday.

Earlier, the National Center for Public Health (NNK) and the National Directorate General for Disaster Management (OKF) stressed in a joint statement that the high heat stresses the healthy body, it can cause health complaints, discomfort, and concentration loss. Young children, the elderly and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases are particularly at risk.

The National Weather Service has already warned of this year's first heatwave with daytime temperatures permanently over 30 degrees Celsius. Due to the persistent heat, a first level warning has been issued for the whole country, except for three counties – Nógrád, Heves and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén. It also warned that UV-B radiation will be very strong in most parts of the country.

The Mayor's Office in Budapest said that cooling islands will be set up again this summer to provide shade from the extreme heat, and 12 more drinking fountains will be added to the 22 set up last year.