Thursday, August 14, has marked one of the hottest days this year in the Czech Republic, with temperature records broken at fifteen monitoring stations across the country. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the highest temperature was recorded at the Plzeň-Mikulka station, reaching a scorching 36.2°C (97.2°F).
Meteorologists report that nearly 10% of stations with over 30 years of measurement history have either matched or exceeded their historical maximum temperatures for this date. This unprecedented heat wave has prompted authorities to issue warnings about high temperatures and increased fire risks throughout the country.
Friday’s forecast suggests even more intense heat as warm air continues to flow from the south. Temperatures are expected to climb between 32 and 36°C in most areas, with some lowland regions in Bohemia potentially reaching 37°C (98.6°F). Even mountainous areas will experience unusual warmth, with temperatures around 26°C (78.8°F) at elevations of 1,000 meters.
The extreme heat has brought additional concerns beyond discomfort. Officials warn of elevated ground-level ozone concentrations in Prague and parts of the Ústí nad Labem region. These environmental conditions, combined with the heat, have increased the risk of wildfires throughout the Czech Republic.
While today’s temperatures are remarkable, they still fall short of the country’s all-time record. The highest temperature ever recorded in the Czech Republic was 40.4°C (104.7°F) at Dobřichovice on August 20, 2012, with the Husinec-Řež station also recording an even 40°C on the same day.