Czech news in brief for April 6: Monday's top morning headlines

Unseasonably warm weather pushed temperatures near 25 degrees Celsius across the Czech Republic on April 5, with nine long-running stations setting records, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said on X network. The highest reading, 24.9 C, was recorded in Dyjakovice, narrowly topping a 2016 mark. Most records fell in South Moravia, with others in Vysocina and Usti nad Labem. A 1959 record in Kucharovice was exceeded by 1.6 degrees. The week ahead will see temps drop to 16 degrees maximum and cooler in some places.

Prosecutors have requested pretrial detention for a suspect charged in a March arson attack at an arms factory in Pardubice, authorities said Monday. The High Public Prosecutor’s Office filed the motion, with a court hearing set for later in the day. Another suspect was detained in Bulgaria. The blaze destroyed a warehouse at LPP Holding, which produces drones for Ukraine. Investigators have linked multiple suspects to alleged terrorist activity.

Reported cases of Lyme disease in the Czech Republic more than tripled year-on-year to over 1,300 in the first quarter, health officials said, citing improved reporting. The State Institute of Health said automatic reporting by general practitioners since July has reduced undercounting. Experts note tick-borne illnesses remain on the rise, driven partly by climate change, which extends tick activity and expands their range.

The Ministry of Transport is drafting a law requiring taxi drivers to have at least basic Czech language skills to improve safety, communication with passengers, and understanding of local traffic rules. About half of drivers in Prague are foreign nationals. The law would also cover app-based drivers, including Uber and Bolt. It could take effect in 2028.

Easter Monday traditions in southern Moravia featured youths weaving oversized pomlázka whips, including one exceeding 21 meters in Němčičky. Local participants said younger villagers outperformed older groups for a second year. The custom involves visiting homes, singing and lightly whipping girls to symbolize health and vitality. In return, carolers receive eggs and treats, preserving a longstanding regional Easter tradition.