In a striking comparison, meteorologists have revealed that recent rainfall in the Czech Republic has surpassed the devastating floods of 1997. From September 12-16 this year, the country experienced an average rainfall of 136.2 millimetres, significantly higher than the 97.5 millimetres recorded during the 1997 floods from July 3-8.
While the 1997 floods primarily affected Moravia and Silesia, this year’s rainfall has been more widespread. Bohemia received an average of 112.8 millimetres, while Moravia and Silesia saw 183.4 millimetres. In contrast, 1997 saw 59.2 millimetres in Bohemia and 174.6 millimetres in Moravia and Silesia.
This year’s highest rainfall was recorded at Rejvíz station in the Jeseníky region, with a staggering 516.7 millimetres. Other stations in the area also reported over 500 millimetres, though some data is still being verified.
In comparison, the 1997 floods saw the highest rainfall in the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountains. The Šance station recorded 617.9 millimetres, while Lysá hora measured 586.4 millimetres.
This year’s single-day rainfall record was set last Saturday at Lipová-lázně station, with 284.9 millimetres. The 1997 record is 233.8 millimetres, recorded on July 6 at Lysá hora in the Beskydy mountains.