The Czech Republic has been hit with intense storms, with more on the way. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, parts of the country could see intense storms from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday night. The country’s southern half is expected to be hit the hardest, with winds gusting up to 70 kilometers per hour and the potential for short-term, intense rainfall and hail.
The Institute warned that predicting the development of storms is difficult, as different models have vastly different outlooks. At the same time, some models predict intense storms while others do not. They advised people to stay updated on weather warnings and not rely solely on mobile applications for weather information.
In addition to the storms, the country is also facing a high risk of wildfires, and certain regions are being warned of high temperatures, which could go as high as 31 degrees Celsius.
The stormy weather has already caused damage across the country, particularly affecting the north. Strong winds up to 80 kilometers per hour were recorded, and rainfall between 5 and 15 millimeters was reported in some areas.
Safety Precautions
With the stormy weather expected to continue, people must take appropriate safety precautions. Here are some tips to stay safe during a storm:
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
- If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Avoid standing under trees, as they can attract lightning strikes.
- If you are driving, slow down and turn on your headlights.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and unplug any electronic devices.
- If you are caught outside and cannot find shelter, crouch down low to the ground with your feet together, and cover your ears and head.
Previous Storm Damage
This is not the Czech Republic’s first hit with severe storms. In June 2021, a tornado struck the southern town of Hodonín, causing extensive damage and killing several people. The tornado was one of the strongest ever recorded in the country, with wind speeds up to 332 kilometers per hour.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide are a clear sign of the impact of climate change. While it is impossible to attribute any individual event to climate change, scientists agree that the trend of more frequent and intense storms, heat waves, and other extreme weather events is likely to continue in the coming years. Governments and individuals must take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.