The heat alert comes with advice to drink plenty, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm and to use skin protection. Young children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular diseases especially must take particular precautions, they said.

The measure was taken by Cecília Müller, the chief medical officer, and this is the sixth occasion she has announced a heat alert.

All social institutions are obliged to accommodate the homeless and anyone else suffering because of the heat, an official of the Ministry of Human Resources (EMMI) told a press briefing earlier.

Members of the public are also asked to help by notifying the authorities if they spot a homeless person in distress on the street.

According to the recommendation, people should stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm, should avoid strenuous activity and direct sunlight; wear loose, lightweight clothing; drink plenty of fluids, watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and never leave people or pets in a closed vehicle.

The alert has been issued based on data available from national weather service OMSZ and the recommendations of the National Public Health Centre (NNK).

MTI Photo: Lajos Soós