Despite initial predictions, the Czech Republic will not get a break from severe thunderstorms. Meteorologists expect strong storms to hit parts of the country again on Thursday. They have also issued a warning for the entire country for Friday, with the potential for very intense storms, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).
On Thursday afternoon, strong thunderstorms are expected to appear in Prague, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Liberec, and parts of Central Bohemia, Plzeň, and Hradec Králové regions. These storms could be accompanied by heavy rainfall, with accumulations around 30 millimetres, small hail, and wind gusts reaching up to 70 kilometres per hour.
Meteorologists predict even more severe thunderstorms on Friday afternoon. These storms could bring torrential rains, up to 50 millimetres of rain falling quickly. In repeated storms, rainfall totals could reach up to 80 millimetres. Wind gusts could reach speeds of around 90 kilometres per hour, and smaller hailstones with diameters of around two centimetres may also occur.
Meteorologists warned that the high ground saturation could lead to localized flooding or even flash floods. The storms are expected to first appear early Friday afternoon in western and southwestern Bohemia and then move towards the east and northeast, forming a storm line.
The warning for the western half of the country will be in effect until the evening hours and for the rest of the country until 2:00 AM on Saturday. Alongside the storm warnings, meteorologists noted that temperatures in southern Moravia are expected to exceed 31°C on Friday afternoon.
Given the potential severity of these storms, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes avoiding travel during the peak of the storms and securing any outdoor objects that could be tossed by strong winds.