The heat wave continuing to affect Hungary has led to a temperature record in the capital, Budapest, and placed the country’s water and energy systems under pressure.
Thermometers in Budapest showed 41.1 degrees on August 5. This surpassed the previous record of 41 degrees recorded at the beginning of summer. Nighttime temperatures in the capital’s János Hill area fell to 28 degrees, making it the hottest night ever recorded in Hungary.
Temperatures reached 41.4 degrees in Budakalász
Temperatures reached 41.4 degrees in the town of Budakalász near Budapest. This remained below Hungary’s national record of 42 degrees, recorded in the town of Szécsény on June 30.
Water restrictions remain in place in 629 municipalities
Restrictions on water use introduced because of the rising temperatures remain in place in 629 municipalities. The highest alert level is being applied in 13 municipalities.
The army is also supporting the transport of drinking water to the worst-affected areas. Hungarian Environment Minister László Gajdos announced that water consumption nationwide had fallen by 9 percent in recent days.
Gajdos urged households to continue reducing nonessential water use.
Falling Danube levels affect Paks output
A record decline in the Danube’s water level has negatively affected production at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which meets approximately half of the country’s electricity needs.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said the river’s water level had risen by 9 centimeters since Sunday. Magyar said the increase had enabled the restart of a turbine at the Paks plant that had been operating at about 10 percent of its capacity.
Magyar said the heat wave was continuing and stated that households and businesses should voluntarily reduce their electricity consumption.
