Hungary is currently facing a significant cold front that has led to the formation of a supercell thunderstorm, which is expected to move west to east across the country.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) has issued warnings for several counties due to the potential for severe weather phenomena, including hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.

Severe weather is anticipated during the evening and night hours as the cold front collides with warm, humid air masses.

Areas such as Szombathely, Dunaújváros, Szolnok, and Debrecen are within the storm’s path, with the possibility of intense thunderstorms and hail occurring even in regions to the south and north of these locations.

Due to the extreme weather situation, HungaroMet has issued a second-degree orange alert for several counties, including Zala, Tolna, Veszprém, Somogy, and Fejér, while a first-degree warning is in effect for the rest of the country.

The supercell is expected to move out of the country by late evening or night, prompting calls for heightened caution and attention.

In a concurrent announcement, the Hungarian government has disclosed plans for significant infrastructure developments, including the construction of a new airport and a railway connection between Budapest’s downtown and Ferihegy Airport.

This decision was made public during a press conference held by Minister of Economic Development, Márton Nagy.

Passenger traffic at Budapest Airport has seen an increase in the first half of this year, necessitating the expansion of transportation facilities to accommodate this growth.

The government aims to construct a third terminal at the airport, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for this autumn.

In addition, funds have been allocated for widening and refurbishing the expressway leading to the airport, alongside the initiation of rail services that will connect the city directly to the airport, eliminating the need for transfers.

The total investment for these developments is estimated at approximately €1 billion.

This railway initiative will not feature parallel tracks, as the train will operate on existing lines from Kőbánya and will connect with the Szolnok-Debrecen line.

The minister emphasized the advantages of rail transport, highlighting its speed, environmental benefits, and reliability.

The government plans to finance these projects through a concession model, allowing for payments to be made over several years rather than as a lump sum.

Both domestic and international investors will be sought for involvement.

The timeline for specifying the exact routes and operations of the trains to and from the airport is still under development.

Furthermore, there is an emphasis on enhancing cargo traffic at the airport, as it has increased by 12% over previous years, with Budapest's cargo handling surpassing that of Vienna and Munich.

The new cargo airport is expected to further bolster this growth due to the expanding e-commerce sector, as most air freight (approximately 84%) arrives from Asia and the United States.

The existing cargo capacity at Liszt Ferenc Airport stands at about 400,000 to 450,000 tons, which could soon be reached given current trends.

However, there exists ongoing competition for landing slots and timings between passenger and cargo aircraft, and with the passenger flight demand increasing, cargo operations may face constraints.

In response to this growing need, the government aims to establish a dedicated cargo airport, with considerations for its location still being finalized, and the search for investors soon to commence.

The plan necessitates non-stop operations to ensure efficient service, thus requiring a site that is not close to residential areas and is well-connected by road and rail.

As these developments unfold, the government is ensuring that Budapest maintains its leading position in regional logistics and air transportation.