Indian summer brings Czechia a week of sun and 25-degree highs

Czechia is entering an extended spell of warm and dry autumn weather, with sunshine expected throughout the holiday weekend and almost no rain forecast for at least the next week.

Daytime temperatures will gradually climb from around 20 degrees Celsius this weekend to as high as 25 degrees early next week, according to current forecasts. Clear skies will make nights considerably colder, however, with morning fog and isolated ground frost possible.

The stable conditions come as Czechia begins a three-day weekend culminating in Czech Statehood Day on Monday, Sept. 28.

Saturday will be clear to mostly clear, with only occasional cloud cover. Afternoon temperatures will generally reach between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, although northeastern regions may remain closer to 17 degrees.

High, thin clouds could spread from the northwest later in the day without producing rain.

Sunday morning may bring fog in low-lying areas and valleys, potentially reducing visibility for drivers. Cloud cover associated with a weakening weather front may briefly increase, but conditions should brighten during the day.

Sunday’s highs will range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, with cooler conditions in the Šumava region, where temperatures may remain near 17 degrees.

Monday’s public holiday will be predominantly sunny, with afternoon temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. The morning will feel markedly colder, and isolated ground frost may occur in some locations.

Anyone traveling early over the long weekend should be prepared for localized fog, particularly in valleys and lowlands. Most fog should dissipate during the morning as temperatures rise.

The warmest conditions are expected Tuesday, when temperatures could reach 25 degrees Celsius in some areas.

A powerful high-pressure system over Eastern Europe will draw warm, dry air into Central Europe from the south while keeping winds light and conditions stable.

Forecast models indicate almost no precipitation across Czechia and much of Central Europe between Saturday and Friday. Daytime sunshine will produce unusually warm afternoons, while overnight lows will generally fall to between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius.

These conditions are characteristic of babí léto (literally 'granny summer'), the Czech term for a period of calm, sunny and relatively warm weather around the beginning of autumn. 'Indian summer' is its traditional English equivalent.

Forecasts remain relatively consistent through the end of September. Greater uncertainty emerges next weekend, when an Atlantic low-pressure system may push a cold front toward the continent.

Current models suggest the front could weaken before reaching Central Europe because of the persistent high-pressure system to the east. If that happens, the dry and warm spell may continue further into October.

Long periods of babí léto lasting more than a week are less common, though not unprecedented in Czechia. How long this year’s episode lasts will depend on whether Atlantic air can break through the blocking high later next week.