Czech news in brief for July 2: Wednesday's top headlines

A fifth of Czech adults are obese and 40 percent are overweight, with men particularly affected due to high sugary drink consumption and low fruit and vegetable intake, a study by Maika Ohnová of the National Institute SYRI found. Obesity in women is more linked to psychosocial factors. The Czech Republic has nearly 70 percent of men overweight or obese, among Europe’s highest. Higher education significantly reduces obesity risk, especially for men with university degrees, while income plays a lesser role.

The European Commission proposed cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2040 from 1990 levels, drawing praise from Czech environmental groups for its clear long-term targets. They say the plan boosts investment predictability in decarbonization and supports using carbon credits. However, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala opposes the measure, citing economic concerns. Environmental organizations and business platforms view the proposal as a logical step toward climate neutrality by 2050 amid Europe’s current heatwave challenges.

The opposition ANO movement increased support to 35.1 percent, while the ruling coalition Spolu (Together) rose slightly to 21.4 percent, according to an Ipsos poll conducted June 24–29. Mayors and Independents climbed to 10.8 percent, overtaking Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) at 10.5 percent. The Pirates and Greens grew to 6.7 percent, surpassing the Enough! coalition at 5.7 percent. Smaller parties remain below the 5 percent threshold needed for lower house seats. 

The Czech Republic experienced its lowest rainfall in 64 years during the first half of 2025, with just 222 millimeters—76 percent of the 1991–2020 average, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported. Every month saw below-average precipitation, with February driest at one-third of normal rainfall. The Vysočina region had the least precipitation, while central Bohemia, Liberec, Pilsen, and Ústí nad Labem fared better. Comparable low rainfall was last recorded in 2003 and 2015.

A key section of the D8 motorway near the German border closed Wednesday for tunnel repairs and road resurfacing, causing traffic jams and rerouting. The closure, from exits 80 to 87, began at 8 a.m., affecting roughly 30,000 daily vehicles. Police are diverting traffic via challenging mountain roads, with warnings of overheating vehicles. The upgrade, costing CZK 744 million, is expected to restore full-speed travel. The final closure phase is set for early October.

Four Czech weather stations recorded their hottest July 1 on Tuesday, as a prolonged heatwave gripped the country, officials said. Doksany in north Bohemia hit 34.8 degrees Celsius, the day’s highest temperature. Record highs were also reported in Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Aš, and Sněžník, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. The heatwave, ongoing for several days, is expected to continue, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius in lowland areas, meteorologists said.

Prague Zoo is using five tons of ice to help animals beat the heat as summer temperatures climb to 32 degrees Celsius, with highs of 37 degrees Celsius expected later this week. Polar bears, bison, and Przewalski's horses received ice, some filled with treats, as part of the “Zoo under Ice” event. Director Miroslav Bobek said the initiative will repeat during heatwaves. To encourage evening visits, the zoo offers discounted admission after 5 p.m. through August.

A cyberattack crippled Nymburk Hospital’s information systems Tuesday, forcing it into emergency mode. While acute and urgent care continues, some services face delays, and payment terminals are down. Executive Director Martin Dvořák said no patients are at risk, but the timeline for full recovery remains unclear. The hospital is coordinating with nearby facilities and advises patients to confirm appointments. This follows similar cyber incidents at several Czech hospitals in recent years, including a major 2019 attack in Benešov.

Czech tennis star Petra Kvitová was hailed as an icon and inspiration by fellow players after her final Wimbledon match Tuesday. Teammates including Linda Nosková and Markéta Vondroušová praised her legacy, citing her 2011 and 2014 titles and trademark fighting spirit. Kvitová, who returned in February after maternity leave, plans to retire after the U.S. Open. Younger players recalled watching her victories as children and now cherish personal connections with the two-time Grand Slam champion.

The Czech crown strengthened to CZK 20.93 CZK/USD 1 Tuesday, closing below CZK 21 for the first time since June 2021. It also gained against the euro, reaching CZK 24.67/EUR 1, its strongest level in a year. Meanwhile, the Prague Stock Exchange’s main PX index fell 0.28 percent to 2,151.25 points, weighed down by declines in ČEZ and Moneta Bank shares. Photon Energy recorded the largest drop, while only four of 12 major stocks posted gains.