Vanda SvobodovaThe Czech Republic is on the cusp of a massive thaw, with temperatures expected to rise progressively over the weekend. Meteorologists are issuing warnings about dangerous phenomena such as falling ice and icicles from roofs, which could cause serious injuries to people.
The Forecast for the Upcoming Week
Next week is likely to bring the highest temperatures of the entire month of December, signaling a significant thaw after snowy days. “The state of precipitation will be very varied, from rain, freezing rain to snow,” stated the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).
Safety Precautions for the Public
People are advised to be more cautious when outdoors. “During freezing rain, ice will form in Bohemia, especially in the southwestern half of Bohemia, there is a risk of falling icicles and ice from roofs due to the thaw,” warned the ČHMÚ. Meteorologist Dagmar Honsová noted that the thaw seems to be rapid and river levels are expected to rise.
Current Situation of Czech Watercourses
The situation on Czech watercourses is currently calm. “The levels of monitored watercourses are stable, slightly fluctuating, or affected by ice phenomena (ice jams, ice at the bank). Until Sunday, no significant changes are expected. From Sunday, gradual warming is anticipated, which, along with expected precipitation, will cause the melting of the snow cover at all elevations. Watercourse levels will respond with rises, probably exceeding the flood activity level,” said hydrologist Martina Kimlová.
Expectations for Smaller Watercourses
Hydrologists expect rises in smaller watercourses in lower and middle elevations in the first half of next week. “Due to inflow, the levels of larger watercourses will also rise. Wednesday’s cooling will likely stabilize the situation,” added Kimlová, noting that the ČHMÚ will update current information according to the situation.
Weather Forecast for the Pre-Christmas Week
The pre-Christmas week will see a mild cooling, but the highest afternoon temperatures will remain above freezing. “It doesn’t look like there will be such a significant snowfall and all-day frosts until the end of December,” shared Honsová.
Weekend Weather Forecast
On Saturday, it will be cloudy to overcast, with snow in places. In the lowlands of Bohemia, precipitation will be mixed, rainy, or freezing. Freezing precipitation will lead to the formation of ice. Morning temperatures will range between -2 to -6 °C, with daytime temperatures from -1 to 3 °C, reaching up to 5 °C in the western part of the country.
On Sunday, it will be overcast, with rain expected from the west, sometimes freezing. Ice formation is anticipated. “In the east of the country, initially snow. Morning temperatures will range between 1 to -4 °C. Daytime temperatures will be between 1 to 7 °C,” stated Honsová.
After Sunday, daily temperatures will range from 5 to 10 °C until Wednesday, possibly reaching up to 12 °C on Tuesday. It will be cloudy to overcast, with occasional rain. Ice formation is expected on Monday.
The impending thaw in the Czech Republic poses serious dangers, particularly from falling ice and icicles, as well as potential flooding due to rapidly melting snow and rising river levels. The public is advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest weather updates and safety measures.
