Thunderstorms flood Czech Republic and Slovakia, fire crews respond

Intense thunderstorms swept across the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 20‑21 June, bringing hail of up to 2 cm, heavy rain and strong winds. In the Czech lands, more than 700 emergency calls were logged, with fire crews handling dozens of incidents of fallen trees, flooded basements, blocked roads and railway disruptions; the most severe damage was reported in the Central Bohemian, South Bohemian and Pardubice regions. In Slovakia, flash floods and hail hit towns such as Hnúšťa, Rimavská Sobota and Košice, prompting warnings for the whole country and rescuing two people trapped in a garden gazebo. The storms caused temporary suspension of train services on several sections of the main Prague‑Kolín line and required railway workers to clear trees from tracks. Simultaneously, a heat wave set new temperature records in parts of the Czech Republic, reaching 36 °C in Šternberk, while Slovakia faced temperatures above 33 °C. Meteorological services issued first‑level warnings for thunderstorms and high temperatures across both nations, and broader European agencies warned of heat‑related disruption to transport and wildlife. The combined weather extremes left material damage but no serious injuries were reported.