Czechia is bracing for a brutal heatwave: Here's where to cool off in Prague

Residents of the Czech Republic are bracing for a brutal heatwave over the next few days. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), temperatures are expected to soar well above 30 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The ČHMÚ reported that the Husinec-Řež station already recorded a high of 30.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, a harbinger of the sizzling conditions to come. “The tropical thirty reached one place in the Czech Republic yesterday. Today, there will be many more places with thirty, especially in Central Bohemia, Prague, and South Moravia,” ČHMÚ stated on social platform X.

Meteorologists warned that the heatwave will bring little relief even at night, with the potential for “tropical nights” where temperatures may not drop below 20 degrees Celsius, especially in Moravia.

The scorching temperatures are expected to be most severe in southern regions, with forecasts calling for highs approaching 33 degrees Celsius in areas like Ostrava on Wednesday. In contrast, Bohemia’s northern and northwestern parts may see slightly more moderate temperatures, around 24 degrees Celsius, though they will also contend with increased cloud cover and thunderstorms.

Just in time for tropical weather, many of Prague's water features have been activated, including the fountain at Wenceslas Square near Můstek.

After winterization and maintenance work, including electrical inspections, technology servicing, and thorough cleaning, the fountain is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The fountain's illuminated water jets provide sought-after cooling and relaxation for residents and visitors throughout the summer. The fountain is expected to operate until around mid-October, depending on weather conditions. 

Built as part of the reconstruction of the lower portion of Wenceslas Square, the 16 square meter fountain, with water jets reaching 2 to 5 meters, was first launched in May 2022.

Prague Technical Services activates 22 misting points centrally each year once a certain temperature threshold is reached. Sprinkler trucks are typically sent out into the territory of central Prague and adjacent city districts whenever temperatures exceed 25°C for three days in a row. 

"The reason is not only the freshening of the climate but primarily the reduction of dust and the intensity of ground-level ozone," explains Barbora Lišková from Prague Technical Services, which maintains the trucks.

Earlier this month, new terraces were opened atop the pavilions at Prague’s Výstaviště, offering 7,000 m2 of space with views of the surrounding areas, grassy areas, flower beds, misters, and drinking fountains. Pavilions B, C, D, and E are part of Prague’s 150 million CZK investment and integrate art installations and environmentally friendly amenities like solar-powered benches to support Prague’s climate initiatives.

One hundred percent of the water used for irrigating the greenery on the roofs comes from the Exhibition Center’s own well, managed automatically by a weather station. Outdoor lighting operates via twilight switches. Additionally, foggers, drinking fountains, and awnings on the roofs provide shade during hot days.