Blizzard conditions heading to Czech Republic: Prague could see snow on Wednesday

Cold and snowy weather will arrive in the Czech Republic on Wednesday. While Prague is not on the main area of the expected blizzard, it is still should see some snowfall.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a low-risk weather warning for snow, valid from 6 am on Wednesday to 7 am on Thursday. The warning covers South Bohemia and Vysočany as well as parts of Central Bohemia, the Pardubice region, the Olomouc region, South Moravia and the Moaravia-Silesia region. Some of these areas can expect five to 10 centimeters of wet snow to fall in 12 hours.

Most snow will fall on Wednesday during the day and Thursday morning. In the following days, it will snow only in places and not as heavily.

People are cautioned to be careful in the affected areas. Complications can be expected for pedestrians and drivers due to slippery roads and sidewalks. In the case of wet snow, there can be damage to trees and forest stands as well as fallen power lines wires and power outages, the ČHMÚ warns.

Meteorologists recommend that travelers monitor traffic information and drive very carefully. Snow chains are recommended for driving in the mountains. Winter tires with a sufficient tread height are required by law.

The lowlands and Prague will also see snow, but not as much as in the areas where the warning applies.

Snow an a statue near Old Town Square. (photo: Raymond Johnston)

ČHMÚ says people can already expect snowfall today in some areas. In places at high elevations there could be rain mixed with snow, and later just snow.

For Wednesday, meteorologists warn against freezing fog in the night and morning. Precipitation will increase in the morning, especially in the south. In areas with an elevation above 400 meters, the precipitation will be mixed or snowy. The highest temperatures in the Czech Republic on Wednesday will be between 1- and +3 degrees Celsius.

Prague should see freezing rain mixed with snow which will later turn to just snow when temperatures drop. The daytime temperature should be around zero to 1 degree Celsius. There could be up to four centimeters of snow by the evening.

The rest of the weeks should be cloudy with intermittent snowfall and possible icing on roads in the mornings and evenings.