Extreme heatwave could break all-time Czech temperature record this weekend

This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most extreme heat events on record in Czechia, with meteorologists warning of temperatures approaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius across parts of the country.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued the highest-level heat warnings for Saturday and Sunday, urging caution as the heat intensifies across Central Europe. Authorities also warn that outdoor events and travel may be affected as conditions become hazardous during peak afternoon hours.

Forecasters say the combination of a strong inflow of hot air from the south and long daylight hours in late June could push temperatures beyond previous records. In some models, Sunday could peak at around 41 degrees in the shade, which would surpass the country’s absolute record of 40.4 degrees set in Dobřichovice in 2012.

If forecasts hold, Czechia could see one of the rarest weather events in its modern history. According to ČHMÚ data, only a handful of days in the past century have seen temperatures above 39 degrees, and just twice have stations recorded 40 degrees or more under the standard measurement network.

One of those extremes was recorded in Prague in 1983, when temperatures reached 40.2 degrees. The Czech capital is expected to reach similar highs this weekend.

Meteorologists also point out that late June conditions may amplify the heatwave. Longer daylight hours mean more solar energy compared to similar late-summer events, while overnight temperatures remain higher, contributing to a faster and stronger daytime warming effect. This effect is further intensified by unusually stable atmospheric conditions over Central Europe.

“Given the current forecasts, there is a high probability that the national record will be broken,” the ČHMÚ said in a statement, adding that temperatures could exceed 40 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday depending on local conditions.

The heat is expected to extend beyond daytime peaks, with unusually warm nights forecast across much of the country.

Meteorologists warn that so-called tropical nights—when temperatures do not fall below 20 degrees—will be widespread, with some areas potentially experiencing “super-tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 25 degrees. Prague and other cities may experience a stronger urban heat island effect, further limiting overnight cooling.

Such conditions have only been recorded a dozen times in Czech history. In exposed regions affected by dry winds, overnight lows may remain close to 30 degrees, particularly in urban areas where heat is retained in buildings and paved surfaces, making sleep difficult for many residents.

Health authorities are expected to reiterate standard guidance, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and checking on vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

The combination of extreme daytime heat and warm nights is considered particularly stressful for the human body, especially in cities without widespread air conditioning, especially in densely populated areas.

In response to the extreme heat and heightened fire risk, Prague’s city hall has introduced a temporary ban on open fires in vulnerable locations across the capital from through Sunday midnight.

The measure covers parks, forests, forest parks, gardens, and other areas where fires could easily start or spread. It also extends to a 50-meter buffer zone around these sites, as well as agricultural areas where hay or straw is stored, particularly on the city’s outskirts. Smoking cigarettes and other uses of open flame are included in the restriction.

The capital has already been experiencing the effects of the heatwave, with firefighters regularly called to cool overheated streets using water hoses. Emergency services have also reported a sharp rise in heat-related incidents compared to last year. On Friday, firefighters responded to a rooftop hotel fire in central Prague.

With temperatures expected to peak on Sunday, authorities are also encouraging residents without air conditioning to seek relief in cooled public spaces such as shopping centers, metro stations, and municipal buildings that remain open over the weekend.