Sunshine and 25-degree highs forecast for Czechia's long weekend

Czechia is set for a mostly sunny and increasingly warm long weekend, with afternoon temperatures potentially reaching 25 degrees Celsius on Monday’s public holiday.

After a cloudy and wet end to the working week, conditions will begin improving from the west on Friday, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). Saturday and Sunday should then bring plenty of sunshine across most of the country.

Mornings will remain distinctly autumnal, however. Temperatures could fall as low as 5 degrees Celsius over the weekend, with isolated ground frost possible Saturday and patches of fog forming in some areas.

Thursday will remain cloudy to overcast, with occasional rain spreading from the northwest. Daytime temperatures will generally range from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Friday will begin similarly, but cloud cover should gradually break up from the west. Isolated morning fog is possible, while afternoon temperatures will again stay mostly between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius.

The more substantial improvement arrives Saturday, when skies should be clear to partly cloudy across much of Czechia. Northeastern parts of the country may remain somewhat cooler, but elsewhere temperatures will begin climbing toward the low 20s.

Sunday is expected to remain mostly sunny. Afternoon highs over the weekend will range from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius, creating favorable conditions for hiking, cycling and other outdoor plans.

Those heading out early should dress for cooler weather. Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to between 5 and 9 degrees Celsius, producing a significant contrast between chilly mornings and warm afternoons.

The warmest weather is expected Monday, Sept. 28, when Czechia marks Czech Statehood Day and many people have the day off work.

Skies should remain clear to partly cloudy, although isolated fog may briefly reduce visibility in the morning. Once it clears, temperatures are forecast to reach between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius.

The conditions would qualify as a spell of babí léto, the Czech term for a period of warm, calm and sunny weather in early autumn. “Indian summer” is the traditional English equivalent, though “late-summer weather” or “warm autumn weather” may sound more natural in everyday reporting.

Similar conditions are expected to continue into the beginning of next week, with predominantly clear skies and unusually warm afternoons.

Travelers should nevertheless be prepared for rapidly changing temperatures during the day. Light layers will be useful for the cold mornings, while afternoon conditions may feel more like late summer than the start of fall.