Czech news in brief for August 15: Saturday's top afternoon headlines

This weekend is bringing another round of extreme heat to Czechia, with temperatures pushing toward 37 degrees and drought conditions worsening across the country. Meanwhile, the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize has new organizers, and Prague Zoo is expecting two new elephant calves next year. Good afternoon, here's your Saturday headline mix.

Czechia is bracing for temperatures of up to 36 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 37 degrees on Sunday, with a health warning in effect across most of the country. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns of overheating and dehydration, with the highest heat stress expected in South Moravia. A nationwide fire-risk warning also remains in place amid continued hot, dry conditions.

Relief next week: Rain and cooler weather are expected from Sunday, with Monday highs mostly between 19 and 23 degrees. Meteorologists advise staying in the shade, drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Authorities have banned water withdrawals from the Klenice river and its tributaries near Mladá Boleslav because of extremely low flows caused by prolonged drought. The flow has fallen to the official drought threshold, with some sections of the river nearly dry. Violators face fines of up to CZK 50,000 for individuals and CZK 100,000 for companies.

Drought worsens: Water levels at the Orlík reservoir are also falling, and the reservoir stopped releasing water for extended periods Saturday. Officials warn that if substantial rain does not arrive, the outflow could stop entirely by the end of August.

Czech senators are urging the government to establish a working group focused on preventing large wildfires, bringing together ministries, firefighters and municipalities. The group would propose new measures and legislation by the end of the year, with particular attention to protected areas. Senators say current rules do not adequately address widespread forest and field fires, which are becoming more frequent amid drought and rising temperatures.

What they want: The Senate committee is also calling for more funding, equipment and training for volunteer fire departments, as well as better emergency access and water supplies in national parks.

Czech ministers will return to Prague’s Straka Academy on Monday after a two-week break, with drought and water management among the first issues on the agenda. The government is expected to discuss measures following an unusually hot and dry summer, with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš pledging an additional CZK 4 billion for anti-drought measures.

Cabinet plans: The government will also begin intensive preparations for the 2027 state budget, with Finance Minister Alena Schillerová set to negotiate spending needs with individual ministries. The government says next year’s deficit should remain below CZK 400 billion, while Parliament is due to return Aug. 25 to vote on President Petr Pavel’s veto of changes to budget rules.

Two elephant calves expected at Prague Zoo early next year are developing well, according to recent ultrasound checks. Elephant cows Janita and Tamara are due to give birth around February and April, respectively. The zoo currently has six Indian elephants and has welcomed five calves over the past 12 years.

Next steps: The pregnancies will continue to be monitored by zoo veterinarians. Prague Zoo is also celebrating World Elephant Day this weekend with educational activities, including a rare public elephant bathing session featuring its two oldest females.