Czech Republic records extreme heat and severe thunderstorms

The Czech Republic experienced a contrasting weather pattern in late June 2026. After an unusually cold night on June 23, with temperatures dropping to –5.2 °C in Březník – the coldest June reading in 40 years – forecasters warned of potential thunderstorms across the Šumava region.

Just days later, a heat wave brought record high temperatures to many locations, surpassing 35 °C and setting new marks at 59 monitoring stations. The hot spell was accompanied by strong thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail, causing widespread damage, road and railway disruptions, and numerous fire‑risk warnings. Fire services responded to hundreds of incidents, including flood‑related rescues and storm‑related tree falls.

Authorities highlighted the risk of wildfires as temperatures are expected to rise further, with forecasts of up to 37 °C and occasional peaks near 39 °C later in the week.