Heat wave drives temperatures toward 40 °C in Czech Republic and Slovakia

Meteorological services in the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued high‑level heat warnings as a warm air mass pushes daytime temperatures toward 40 °C. In the Czech Republic, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) raised the alert to the extreme‑danger level, forecasting highs of 34‑40 °C across much of the country, with the greatest peaks expected in the Polabí region and southern Moravia. Slovakia’s Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) placed several districts under a third‑degree warning, noting possible peaks of 37‑40 °C in the south‑west and south. The heat is expected to strain public health, with hospitals in Prague reporting a surge in heat‑related emergencies, especially among seniors and people with chronic illnesses. Authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak hours, and avoid alcohol or energy drinks.

Concurrent drought conditions have reduced groundwater levels, prompting water‑scarcity alerts in multiple municipalities. Slovak towns such as Prenčov, Handlová and Trnava‑Hora have restricted non‑essential water use, banning garden irrigation, pool filling and car washing. Czech villages report drying ponds and municipal water restrictions, with some towns requiring residents to obtain water by tanker. Local governments have introduced measures such as early‑start work shifts for waste‑collection crews and public‑information campaigns on water conservation.

Health officials and meteorologists stress that the combination of extreme heat and limited water supplies creates a heightened risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and cardiovascular stress. They recommend regular fluid intake, staying in shaded or cooled environments, and monitoring vulnerable individuals closely.