Coldest & Snowiest Winter in Hungary Since 2012 - Quick Comparisons & Warnings
- 7 Jan 2026 10:10 AM
- Hungary Around the Clock
Hungary is experiencing its coldest and snowiest winter since 2012, according to meteorological website Időkép.
While snowfall is expected to be lighter than in 2012, significant precipitation is still forecast in the coming days.
More than 40cm of snow fell in parts of the country in February 2012, with daytime temperatures dropping to -10°C.
Lake Balaton froze over then and may do so again this year, though HungaroMet warns that the ice will not be safe for sports.
Ice thickness could reach up to 20cm.
Experts note that winters have become milder due to climate change, making such severe conditions increasingly rare.
The number of road accidents has nearly tripled during the snowfall on Monday, the head of the national police's traffic department recently said at the memorial of victims of road accidents in Budapest.
Colonel Jozsef Oberling said that while most of the accidents on Monday brought "damage to property only", a cyclist travelling without head protection died onsite when he fell and hit his head.
Oberling asked the public to suspend using bicycles, scooters and electric scooters in the coming days, even on seemingly dry roads. Motorists should only use their cars with winter tires, drive more slowly and leave greater distance to other vehicles than usual, he added.
Transport Minister János Lázár assured the public that 739 winter maintenance vehicles, 213 salt spreaders and 2,301 specialists are being be deployed in 12-hour shifts.
Authorities have stockpiled more than 80,000 tons of road salt, with 24-hour on-call service for roads and railways.
Related links
Road Accidents Triple Here Due to Snow - Public Asked Not to Use Bikes & Scooters
Heavy Snow in Hungary: Shocking Cold Hits Some Areas, Authorities Warn Drivers
Did You Know: HUF 100k Fine If You Don’t Clear Snow from Path by Home
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