Severe frost warning issued as Czechia braces for arctic cold front

Meteorologists have issued a severe frost warning for much of northern Czechia as an arctic cold front moves through the region. The warning will go into effect from midnight tonight through Thursday.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) cautions that nighttime and early morning temperatures will drop to between minus 10 and minus 15 degrees in many areas in the northern half of the country, including Prague.

The cold snap, which has already caused temperatures to plummet below minus 15 degrees Celsius in some locations, is expected to persist until the latter half of the week. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions against the freezing conditions, particularly those most vulnerable to extreme cold.

The ČHMÚ's warning applies primarily to the northern half of the country, with exceptions in some regions, such as the Moravian Gate (Moravská brána).

From Tuesday night onward, the advisory will expand to include northern parts of the Pilsen Region and large parts of Vysočina. Forecasters anticipate a gradual rise in temperatures later in the week, but conditions will remain harsh in the meantime.

Extreme cold temperatures were recorded in locations such as Stráž pod Ralskem in the Liberec Region, Rýmařov in the Moravian-Silesian Region, and Králíky in the Pardubice Region today.

Early Sunday morning, temperatures across much of the country ranged between minus four and minus nine degrees Celsius, with particularly frigid conditions in the northeast due to clear night skies.

Meteorologists are advising residents to dress in warm, layered clothing and wear insulated footwear to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions, should limit their time outdoors.

The ČHMÚ recommends staying warm with hot drinks and meals, as well as engaging in light physical activity to maintain body temperature.

Despite the freezing temperatures, forecasters note that cloud cover in some areas, particularly in northern Bohemia, may lead to slight warming during the day. However, cold conditions are expected to dominate overnight, making frost a continuing concern for travelers and outdoor workers throughout the week ahead.

For weather updates and further information on warnings in effect across the Czech Republic, consult the website of the ČHMÚ.