In a surprising turn of events, meteorologists have significantly expanded their weather warnings for the Czech Republic, alerting citizens to brace for intense thunderstorms and scorching heat in the coming days.
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has warned that severe thunderstorms are expected to hit most regions on Thursday afternoon. These storms could bring heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially seeing up to 40 millimeters of precipitation. The warning is in effect from Thursday noon until 9 PM, covering a wide swath of the country, including the Highlands, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, and Liberec regions, as well as parts of Central Bohemia, South Bohemia, Ústí nad Labem, South Moravia, Olomouc, and Moravia-Silesia.
Forecasters are particularly concerned about the possibility of slow-moving thunderstorms, which are expected to primarily affect the eastern half of Bohemia and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. These lingering storms could lead to localized flooding and other weather-related hazards.
But it’s not just storms that Czechs need to worry about. The ČHMÚ has also dramatically expanded its heat advisory, warning of temperatures exceeding 31°C (87.8°F) in the coming days. This sweltering heat is expected to affect nearly every region in the country on Thursday and Friday except the Karlovy Vary region.
While the widespread heat warning is set to expire after Friday, residents of parts of the South Moravian and Zlín regions should prepare for continued high temperatures into the weekend. This prolonged heat wave could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
As the Czech Republic faces this dual threat of storms and heat, authorities urge citizens to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and look out for one another during these challenging weather conditions.