Czech Republic experiences record 41.9°C heat wave, ice‑cream orders double

On 28 June 2026 the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute recorded a temperature of 41.9 °C, a local record and the hottest June in western Europe, and the second‑hottest June worldwide. The event is part of a broader warming trend, with June becoming the warmest month on record and the number of tropical days having more than doubled since the 1960s.

The extreme heat drove a near‑100 % jump in daily ice‑cream orders, according to data from delivery platform Wolt. Average daily orders rose from 1,954 to 3,906 pieces, and a record weekend saw about 80 000 orders. Teplice posted the highest single‑day purchase, with one customer ordering 183 scoops for roughly 3 900 CZK and another buying 44 premium Häagen‑Dazs cups for over 8 800 CZK.

Health officials warn that such temperatures increase mortality, especially among the elderly, children and low‑income households living in poorly insulated buildings. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and the World Health Organization note rising heat‑related deaths across Europe and call for improved building energy ratings and cooling infrastructure.