Hungary Declares Maximum Heat Alert as Temperatures Soar

As a severe heatwave grips Hungary, the government has introduced a maximum heat alert level, effective from Saturday. With temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the shade, authorities are taking measures to protect citizens. In Budapest, free drinking water is being distributed in public areas, including metro stations, train stations, and squares. Additionally, citizens can access air-conditioned public spaces, with over 2,000 locations listed on a special website. To reduce the strain on people and infrastructure, the government has recommended that state institutions allow employees to work from home and reschedule physically demanding tasks to early morning or evening hours. The traditional ban on truck traffic on weekends has been temporarily lifted to prevent supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, a complete ban on open fires in forests and surrounding areas has been imposed due to the extremely high risk of wildfires. Despite concerns about the heat, Budapest's annual LGBT+ parade is set to go ahead on Saturday, with the city preparing for road closures. The event has drawn attention in recent days, with some calling for it to be postponed or cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions. However, the authorities have confirmed that the parade will proceed as planned, with the European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, expected to participate.