Storms that will end the extreme heat wave arrived in the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon, sweeping across a band from Southern Bohemia through the Highlands and South Moravia. While rainfall amounts were generally not excessive, localized hail was reported by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. A second wave of storms, currently affecting all of Austria, is expected in the coming hours.
The situation is particularly severe in Upper Austria, where heavy downpours have flooded home basements, prompting the deployment of 44 fire brigades. Austrian meteorologists have issued red alert warnings—the highest level—for several federal states including Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria, and Lower Austria.
These storms are predicted to move from Austria into the Czech Republic, primarily affecting the southern half of the country while sparing northern regions. Meteorologists warn of flash flooding, hail, and gusty winds, with the greatest risk to South Bohemia, eastern parts of the Pilsen region, and southern areas of the Highlands and South Moravian regions. Rainfall could reach up to 50mm, accompanied by small hail and wind gusts.
Meanwhile, temperature records for July 3rd fell in nine locations across Moravia. The highest reading was recorded in Staré Město in the Uherské Hradiště area, where temperatures reached 35.7°C, breaking the previous record from 1952. Similar record-breaking temperatures were measured in Holešov (34.9°C), Bystřice pod Hostýnem (34.4°C), and Zlín (34.3°C).
Flash floods are now moving eastward across the country toward Eastern Moravia, expected to hit the Zlín region during evening and nighttime hours. Friday’s forecast calls for cloudy to overcast conditions with occasional thunderstorms throughout the Czech Republic, with rain or showers likely in the southeastern half. Temperatures should moderate significantly to between 24-28°C.