Despite a promising start to May with record-high temperatures reaching 31°C in Dyjákovice, Moravia, the Czech Republic is experiencing an unexpected cold snap that shows no signs of letting up. A weekend cold front has brought temperatures plummeting by more than 10 degrees, setting the tone for what meteorologists predict will be a colder-than-average month.
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) forecasts particularly challenging conditions for the week of May 5-11. A stationary high-pressure system over the British Isles and Scandinavia is channeling polar air into Central Europe, with daytime temperatures struggling to exceed 10-15°C.
The agricultural sector faces significant concerns as ground frost becomes a real threat, particularly in Bohemia. Newly planted vegetables, flowers, and heat-loving crops such as potatoes, corn, and sugar beets are at risk. Even more worrying is the possibility of frost at 2 meters above ground over the coming weekend. Martin Možný from CHMI’s biometeorological applications department warns that fruit trees – especially apple and pear trees – could suffer damage in elevations above 500 meters if temperatures drop below -1°C.
While a gradual warming trend is expected to begin after the weekend of May 12-18, temperatures will remain below average. The long-term forecast suggests that truly summer-like conditions won’t return until late May, with daily highs potentially reaching 20°C.
Adding to these challenges, the country continues to battle persistent drought conditions, particularly in the eastern regions. With no above-average rainfall months since the beginning of the year, and February and March being significantly drier than normal, the upcoming northern winds are expected to bring even drier conditions despite the recent rainfall.