Budapest

The average annual temperature in Budapest has grown by more than 1°C since 1901. As temperatures continue to increase, it is predicted that the number of days with maximum temperatures above 35 °C will increase by 85% between 2030 and 2050, bringing an increase of 7-14 days of heatwaves [1]. Budapest experiences an urban heat island effect, where densely built-up urban areas may become even 7°C warmer than the green areas around the city [2,3]. Heatwaves exacerbate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

© Budapest

Budapest Heatwave

Flooding is an increasingly serious climate hazard in Budapest, driven by both riverine and urban flash flood events. River flooding along the Danube has become more frequent and severe. After heavy rains in September 2024 Danube reached at 10-year high, causing widespread flooding in Central and Eastern Europe, including Budapest. At the same time, urban flash floods caused by extreme rainfall events are becoming more common. This type of flooding is exacerbated by a combination of climate change, the high proportion of impervious surfaces in the urban environment, the limited capacity and structure of the drainage system, and the steep topography of surrounding hills.

Drought is becoming an increasingly serious climate hazard in and around Budapest. Extended dry periods during summer are lowering the Danube’s water levels, often falling below historical averages, which in turn leads to reduced flow and poorer water quality [4]. In Hungary, nearly 34 % of the country’s land is currently affected by drought conditions, with agricultural losses reported in both 2022 and 2024, causing damage to crops and raising concerns about desertification in central regions [5]. Central and eastern Europe, including Hungary, are experiencing increased frequency and intensity of droughts due to climate change.