Hungarian heat alert extended until Tuesday

National chief health officer Ferenc Falus on Thursday extended the third-degree heat alert until next Tuesday. The National Meteorological Service is forecasting that temperatures will remain unseasonably high until Wednesday. The third-degree alert is the highest level.

Baja was the hottest place in Europe yesterday, with a high of 40.6C, the maximum ever recorded in Hungary on July 19.

Pointing out that heat drains the human body of energy, Falus recommends that people stay at home, if possible. Falus also suggested that elderly people get young people to do their shopping for them, adding that anyone who has to go out on the street should do so early in the morning.

Toxicologist Gábor Zacher warned those sunning themselves on beaches not to stay in the sun for too long. He also cautioned against jumping into cold water, as the warm body and cold water might trigger a reflex which can stop the beating of the heart.

Ozone levels remain high in Budapest and its vicinity due to the strong sunshine and lack of wind, the Environment Ministry stated. The ministry asked residents not to use their cars unless absolutely necessary.

Economy Minister János Kóka asked residents to keep their air conditioning units on low and not to turn on major household appliances between 2-6 p.m. He also urged companies and public institutions to be sparing in their use of electricity.

After visiting national grid operator Mavir, Kóka announced that it is establishing a crisis committee with his ministry for daily consultations as long as the heat wave persists.

Meanwhile, trams had to stop on Buda’'s Bartók Béla út because the asphalt had melted in the heat.

The above story is just one of more than two dozen published today by Hungary Around the Clock, the most comprehensive source of daily English-language news about Hungary. For a free trial of HATC, click here. Hungarian news sources include Népszabadság; Magyar Hírlap; Világgazdaság; Napi Gazdaság; Magyar Nemzet; Népszava; Kossuth Rádió news and Hungarian television's nightly news broadcast.

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