Czech heat wave drives temperatures toward 40 °C, sparking fire bans and rail disruptions
A severe heat wave across the Czech Republic has pushed daytime temperatures toward 40 °C, with a record 40.1 °C recorded in Doksany, Litoměřice. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued heat warnings for the Plzeň region and a nationwide alert, warning of extreme heat stress on vulnerable groups.
High temperatures have heightened fire risk. A forest fire near Nový Vrbov in the Opava region burned about 27 ha, prompting the deployment of 150 firefighters and helicopters. In response, the Plzeň region imposed a fire ban prohibiting open flames, pyrotechnics and smoking in forests, and similar restrictions were extended to Prague. An ozone smog alert was also declared in the Ústí nad Labem region due to elevated ground‑level ozone.
Infrastructure has been affected: heat damaged a railway track between Unhošť and Kladno, interrupting service for several hours. Authorities have urged the public to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and use public drinking fountains and misting stations.
In neighbouring Slovakia, employers are required to provide water, mineral supplements and adjust work schedules when temperatures exceed 30 °C, reflecting the wider regional impact of the heat wave on labour conditions.
Entities: Czech Hydrometeorological Institute · Czech Republic · Nový Vrbov · Nový Vrbov forest · Opava region · Plzeň · Plzeň region · Slovak Labour Ministry (implied) · Slovakia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A forest fire near Nový Vrbov in the Opava region burned approximately 27 hectares and required 150 firefighters and helicopters. (burned)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A temperature of 40.1 °C was recorded in Doksany, Litoměřice. (recorded)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Forecasts suggest the upcoming heat wave could reach up to 40 °C in some Czech locations, with fire risk higher than in June. (meteorological forecast)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Slovakia, employers must provide water, mineral supplements and adjust work schedules when daily temperatures exceed 30 °C. (must provide)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued a heat warning for the Plzeň region from Thursday to Friday midnight. (issued)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Temperatures in the Plzeň region are expected to reach up to 37 °C. (heat warning issued by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] High heat damaged a railway track between Unhošť and Kladno, interrupting service for several hours. (damaged)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An ozone smog alert was declared in the Ústí nad Labem region due to high ground‑level ozone concentrations. (declared)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Plzeň region imposed a fire ban prohibiting open flames, pyrotechnics and smoking in forests. (imposed)