Czechia’s ‘unbearable’ heat wave: Weekend disruptions, warnings, and ways to stay cool

Czechia is experiencing one of its hottest spells of the summer, with temperatures breaking records across the country Thursday and authorities warning of health risks, worsening drought and the highest wildfire danger level ahead of the weekend.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) said daily temperature records were broken at 114 of 171 weather stations with at least 30 years of measurements. Temperatures reached 40.1 degrees Celsius in Doksany, in the Litoměřice district, on Thursday afternoon, while several locations in western Bohemia recorded highs above 39 degrees.

Meteorologists had not expected temperatures above 40 degrees until Friday, but Doksany reached that threshold a day earlier. The location also recorded Czechia’s all-time June temperature record of 41.9 degrees at the end of June.

Scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences’ Global Change Research Institute (CzechGlobe) warned that the heat wave will further worsen already extreme drought conditions, with the entire country facing the highest risk of wildfires. The institute said very high temperatures could continue until around Aug. 4–8, although forecasts differ on the exact timing of the cooldown.

The heat is expected to bring several consecutive tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius and the body has less opportunity to recover. Scientists warned that persistently high nighttime temperatures can be especially dangerous to health.

The CzechGlobe researchers said drought conditions are expected to expand significantly, with around 30 percent of the country potentially facing extreme drought within a week and another half of the country experiencing severe levels of dryness.

The extreme heat is also affecting weekend plans, with swimming areas, public spaces, transport and events all adapting to the conditions.

Swimmers should take care before heading to natural bathing spots. Rising temperatures have fueled cyanobacteria blooms, prompting hygienists to close Prague’s Džbán swimming area completely. Water quality has also worsened at Šeberák, Motol pond, Branická beach and Lake Lipence.

Officials rate swimming water on a scale of one to five, with levels four and five considered unsafe, particularly for children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Other monitored swimming locations in Prague remain open.

With wildfire risk at its highest, Prague has banned open fires, smoking and fireworks in areas with increased fire risk from Thursday, July 30 until further notice.

The restriction applies to forests, parks, forest parks, meadows and gardens across the capital, as well as areas within 50 meters of forest edges. The ban also covers popular barbecue spots and picnic grilling areas.

The heat is also changing weekend schedules. Organizers of Saturday’s Oktagon 92 MMA tournament at Prague’s Štvanice island have delayed the start by 30 minutes to 6:30 p.m. to avoid the worst afternoon temperatures. The government has closed the garden at Straka Academy to visitors this weekend, citing safety concerns, although cooler historic gardens beneath Prague Castle and at the Senate remain open.

Travelers should also expect challenging conditions. Czech Railways is advising passengers to carry extra water, snacks and any regular medication, even for short journeys, and to consider traveling later in the day when temperatures are lower.

The carrier warned that extreme heat can affect train operations and lead to restrictions.

Public transport may provide limited relief, as passengers have reported problems with air conditioning on some trams and buses. Road safety organization BESIP is warning drivers that extreme heat can increase fatigue, slow reactions and raise the risk of dangerous microsleep behind the wheel.

Prague City Hall has opened an air-conditioned refuge at Škoda Palace in response to the heat warning issued by ČHMÚ. The space, at Jungmannova 35/29 in Prague 1, will be open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering seating, toilets and water available for purchase.

The city has also launched a map of “oases of coolness” showing residents where they can find drinking fountains, misting stations, springs, shaded parks and other places to escape the heat.

“During these hot days, when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, our bodies really take a beating. Seniors, young children and people with health conditions are most at risk, but the heat is hard on all of us,” said Prague Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Climate Plan Jana Komrsková.

Cities across Czechia are opening cooling options. Prague districts 3, 7 and 10 are making public buildings available, while Prague 3 will open the main hall of Žižkostel church Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with free drinking water. Brno is directing residents toward cooling spaces including churches and underground areas.

Zoos are adapting as well. Prague Zoo covered its polar bear enclosure with several tons of ice, while Brno Zoo reminded visitors that cold-weather animals may be resting in shade or climate-controlled areas rather than visible in their exhibits.