Czech Drought Pushes Orlík and Vír Reservoirs to Record Lows

The Czech Republic is experiencing an extreme drought that has reduced inflows to the Orlík Reservoir to the lowest level in 44 years, raising concerns about a potential record for the driest year. At the same time, the Vír Reservoir in the Žďárské vrchy region is about eight metres below its usual summer level, with water levels dropping more than 11 metres compared with the start of the year.

Temperatures in the region have exceeded 40 °C, rainfall has been minimal and evaporation rates are high. Despite the low levels, the Vír dam continues to supply water to the Svratka River and to municipal waterworks, though the flow is being reduced as the reservoir approaches a higher regulatory stage. Dam manager Antonín Hájek warned that the reservoir could reach the next restriction level by September if the dry conditions persist.