Parts of the Czech Republic are bracing for temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius this Thursday. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a warning that Moravia, Silesia, and portions of the Vysočina region will face strong winds reaching speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour, significantly increasing the risk of fires.
Meteorologists explain that this extreme weather is the result of a warm air surge from the south, peaking ahead of an approaching cold front. The highest afternoon temperatures are expected in the Elbe Valley, Ohře region, parts of South Bohemia, and across South and Central Moravia. Health officials are advising residents to increase their intake of non-alcoholic, unsweetened beverages and limit physical activity during peak heat hours.
“Fresh winds will begin blowing in eastern Moravia, Silesia, and the northeast of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands before noon on Thursday, with gusts reaching around 65 kilometers per hour, continuing until evening when they will start to weaken,” report meteorologists. The ČHMÚ warns that these winds could break tree branches and cause minor damage to buildings.
The extended dry period, combined with high temperatures and gusty winds, has created dangerous conditions for fire outbreaks, particularly in Moravia and Silesia. The risk is expected to decrease overnight into Friday as winds subside and rainfall arrives later in the day.
Looking ahead to the weekend, occasional rain or showers are predicted for Saturday, gradually diminishing from the west. By Sunday, skies should clear to partly cloudy conditions with daily maximum temperatures between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius. Due to the elevated fire risk, authorities are urging people to avoid lighting fires in natural areas, especially forests, and to refrain from discarding cigarette butts on the ground or using portable cookers outdoors.