A second-level heat alert will come into effect again from Thursday, the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Centre and the National Directorate General for Disaster Management announced in a joint statement on Wednesday.
Based on the forecast by HungaroMet Zrt., the National Chief Medical Officer has ordered a second-level heat alert across the entire country from midnight on Thursday, August 20, until midnight on Sunday.
The authorities warned that the heat could put particular strain on the body and urged everyone to pay increased attention to their own health and that of their relatives.
According to the forecast, temperatures are expected to remain above 30°C for an extended period over the coming days. In hot weather, the body loses increased amounts of fluids and minerals, making regular and adequate hydration especially important, particularly for those spending extended periods outdoors or attending outdoor events.
In connection with this, the authorities stressed:
People attending the August 20 national holiday celebrations and other outdoor events should take particular care to prepare for the heat. In addition to drinking enough fluids, they recommend using sunscreen and, where possible, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
At events, people should regularly seek out shaded and cooler areas. Particular attention should be paid to young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those living with chronic illnesses, as their bodies may respond more sensitively to increased heat exposure.
The authorities also advised people to avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol and drinks high in caffeine or sugar, as well as heavy, fatty foods. During the hottest hours, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., people should avoid direct sunlight where possible and refrain from strenuous physical activity.
Strong sunlight can cause sunstroke and, in more serious cases, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. In the event of illness, the affected person should be taken to a cool, shaded place, their body should be cooled and they should be given fluids. In the event of severe symptoms or suspected heatstroke, call the emergency number 112.
Homes should preferably be ventilated in the morning and evening, while windows should be kept closed during the day where possible.
A list of air-conditioned public spaces available to anyone can be found on the disaster management authority’s website.
The authorities also warned that children and pets should never be left in parked vehicles, as the passenger compartment can heat up to life-threatening temperatures within a short time. Anyone who sees a child or pet left in a vehicle should immediately call 112.
They also highlighted:
The risk of outdoor fires remains elevated due to the heat. Nearly 11,000 outdoor fires have already been reported this year, including 1,600 in the first two weeks of August alone.
Everyone is urged to avoid lighting fires outdoors, never throw away burning cigarette butts and never leave fire-hazardous objects, such as lighters or aerosol cans, inside vehicles parked in the sun.
Carbon monoxide detectors should always be installed near water heaters with open combustion chambers, as the heat can cause an airlock in chimneys, potentially resulting in carbon monoxide accumulation. Firefighters have been called to more than 700 such incidents this year, the authorities said.
The latest heat alerts and other hazard warnings can be followed in real time through the disaster management authority’s VÉSZ mobile application. The app provides the public with direct notifications about heat alerts, including their severity and duration.
