Hungary: Heat warnings nationwide through at least June 22

Officials have issued various weather warnings for excessive heat through at least June 22. As of early June 19, the Meteorological Service of Hungary has issued the following warnings:

• Orange heat warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bacs-Kiskun, Bekes, Csongrad-Csanad, Hajdu-Bihar, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Tolna counties June 19; Bacs-Kiskun and Csongrad-Csanad counties June 20; Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Csongrad-Csanad, Somogy, Tolna, and Zala counties June 21; and Bacs-Kiskun, Bekes, Csongrad-Csanad, and Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok counties June 22. Temperatures of more than 27 C (81 F) are likely.

• Yellow heat warnings: most of the rest of Hungary June 18-22. Temperatures up more than 25 C (77 F) are likely.

Officials could upgrade or expand the alerts over the coming days.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers' hospitalization.

Very high temperatures may damage road surfaces, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on engines, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.