Drought conditions are worsening across Hungary, impacting agricultural productivity as recent analyses indicate that rainfall during the past week was sporadic and insufficient.

While some regions, particularly in the east and northwest, received between 10 to 30 millimeters of rain, the majority of the country experienced little to no precipitation.

As a result, the cumulative rainfall over the past 30 days is reported to be 20 to 40 millimeters below the long-term averages.

Shallow soil moisture levels indicate that adequate moisture is primarily present only in northeastern Hungary and along the western borders; elsewhere, conditions are increasingly arid.

A significant deficit of 60 to 100 millimeters of rainfall is noted in the upper meter of soil in many areas.

Agricultural drought, categorized as mild to moderate, has expanded, affecting an increasing amount of land across the country.

Temperatures have risen markedly with the arrival of summer heat, as maximum daily temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius by the end of May. The heat wave has intensified throughout the week, marking the onset of the first significant summer warmth of the year.

The current drought is severely affecting arable crops, which is expected to be reflected in upcoming yield statistics.

Fall-sown crops appear to be in good condition in more humid regions, with oilseed rape entering the seed formation phase and wheat progressing through flowering and seed development stages.

However, crops in dry lowland areas are showing poorer health.

A cooler, drier May has not been conducive to optimal crop development, and the current high temperatures also exacerbate water stress.

Both corn and sunflower crops, though typically resilient to summer heat, are suffering due to ongoing rainfall deficits.

The traditional weather lore associated with Medárd Day, celebrated on June 8, suggests that rain on this day indicates further precipitation over the following 40 days; conversely, a dry Medárd Day forecasts an extended dry spell.

Forecasts for the next 8 to 10 days suggest conditions will not align with the expected pattern of Medárd.

Intense heat is projected to continue until Sunday, followed by a cold front expected to bring a approximately 10-degree drop in temperatures.

Precipitation, if any, is anticipated to be isolated, with showers and thunderstorms likely on Sunday.

Nonetheless, the overall trend indicates continued soil drying and an intensification of drought conditions.