Heavy snow warning in effect for Czech Republic today

Not an April Fool's joke: despite record high temperatures in the Czech Republic over recent days, a heavy snow warning has been issued across the country by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute for Saturday with warning of ice through Sunday morning.

Heavy snowfall rates of up to four centimeters per hour are expected today in areas of the country over 400 meters above sea level, with mixed snow and rain showers in areas of lower elevation.

An additional warning of ice is in effect through most of the country as temperatures fall below freezing on Saturday night and into in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The warning carries a low degree of danger in Prague and areas in central and west Bohemia and central Moravia, and a high degree of danger for districts in south and east Bohemia, east Moravia, and districts along the northern border of the country.

On Thursday, temperatures hit record levels in many areas of the country, with a high of 26.5 °C recorded at the Strážnici measuring station in South Moravia. Just two days later, temperatures are expected to plunge below zero throughout the country.

"On Saturday, we expect exceptionally heavy snow showers," the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute tweets.

"At lower altitudes, mixed or rain showers may occur. On the night from Saturday to Sunday, icing will occasionally form after the earlier snow showers and when the temperature drops below freezing."

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns of low visibility when driving today and poor conditions on roads, and adds that both drivers and pedestrians should be especially careful.

The heavy snow warning is in effect through most of the country until 11:00 p.m. this evening, except for the Karlovy Vary and Pilsen regions.

Afterwards, an ice warning is in effect for most Czech districts from 9:00 p.m. on Saturday through 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

For more information and additional weather updates, see the official website of the Czech Hydrometereological Institute.