Heatwave and thunderstorms to hit Czechia this week

Temperatures in Prague and many regions across Czechia will reach 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, as the country awaits thunderstorms and tropical-like weather this week. Pilsen was the first region in Czechia to register temperatures above 30 degrees yesterday, foreshadowing what is to come this week.

According to the forecast of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), temperatures in the capital will be near 30 degrees in the afternoon, although the sky will remain largely cloudy. This is also true of the rest of the country, with the most sunshine expected in Zlín. 

On Tuesday, Prague is set to see maximum daytime temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius with a mixture of sun and cloud. All regions in the country are set to reach 30 degrees Celsius tomorrow.

Wednesday is set to be the hottest day in the capital and across much of the country, with temperatures set to reach a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius in Prague. The maximum temperature in Brno will be one degree cooler. Prague, Central Bohemia, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, and Liberec can expect thunderstorms and moderate to severe rain Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday will be the final day of Czechia’s first proper heatwave, with temperatures again hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. Rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon. 

Temperatures will be markedly cooler on Friday, reaching a maximum of around 23 degrees Celsius in the capital. Brno is set to be a little warmer, with maximum temperatures forecast at about 26 degrees Celsius. Both cities will experience frequent rainfall throughout the day.

The weekend in Czechia will be generally sunny with some clouds, with maximum daytime temperatures hovering around the 24 to 25 degrees Celsius mark. No rain is forecast either on Saturday or on Sunday in Prague and Brno.

"People with cardiovascular diseases, individuals with diseases of the respiratory system, and the elderly should be especially careful" during the upcoming heatwave, the ČHMÚ has warned. However, no weather warnings have yet been issued. Next week is set to be cooler than this week, with average temperatures forecast to be lower by around 5 degrees Celsius.