Hungary suffers most severe drought in 126 years following hot summer

Euronews reported that Hungary experienced its most severe drought in 126 years in 2026. Data from the national weather service HungaroMet shows that the central European nation faced a critical water shortage after a drought began in the second half of 2025. [1]

Hungary also recorded its driest summer since 1901 and its second hottest summer on record, Euronews reported. Following a winter with lower rainfall than usual, the country experienced heatwaves in June, July, and August, leading to record low water levels on the Danube river. [1]

According to the HungaroMet analysis cited by Euronews, average summer rainfall across the country reached just 74.1 millimetres. This figure represents 36 percent of the average rainfall recorded between 1991 and 2020. [1]

In 2026, widespread drought conditions and heatwaves affected Europe, hard-hitting agriculture and causing many countries to restrict water use. Reduced water flows in rivers cut hydropower generation and limited ship movement, which can increase energy and food prices. [2]