• Gas consumption in Czechia lowest since 1994
    01/07/2024

    Natural gas consumption in Czechia in 2023 fell by seven percent year-on-year to 7.1 billion cubic metres, according to an analysis by consultancy EGÚ Brno. It was the lowest figure since 1994.

    The drop was caused mainly by significantly lower demand for electricity from gas-fired power plants and continued declining consumption by households and industry.

    Together with high storage capacity, this also led to lower gas imports into Czechia. Some 7.4 billion cubic meters of gas flowed to the country last year, while less than a billion cubic meters flowed out.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Snow alert issued for most parts of Czechia
    01/06/2024

    Meteorologists have warned of heavy snowfall for most parts of Czechia on Sunday. Up to 25 centimetres of fresh snow are expected to fall in the southern parts of the country, around the towns of Český Krumlov, Vimperk and Prachatice. Pilsen, Moravia Silesia, Zlín and Olomouc regions may see up to 15 centimetres of fresh snow.

    Drivers should expect icy conditions and snowdrifts, with less frequented roads most likely being impassable. The snow alert will be in place for 24 hours, starting on Saturday midnight.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Number of scarlet fever cases highest in decade
    01/06/2024

    Czechia recorded the highest number of scarlet fever cases in a decade in 2023, according to the newly released data by the State Institute of Health. The number of people infected with scabies and legionnaire disease increased at a similar rate. The new data also show an increase in the incidence of diphtheria and whooping cough.

    Nearly 7,000 people were diagnosed with scarlet fever last year, compared to 1,150 in 2021. Experts attribute the significant increase to low population immunity following the Covid-19 pandemic.

    An increased incidence of scarlet fever, caused by group A streptococcus, is also being reported in other European countries. The most effective antibiotic against the infection is penicillin.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Renowned Czech astronomer Luboš Kohoutek dies at 88
    01/06/2024

    Luboš Kohoutek, renowned Czech astronomer and discoverer of minor planets and comets, passed away on December 30 at the age of 88, the Czech Astronomical Society announced on Friday. He died in Germany, where he had emigrated in 1970 following the occupation of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact troops.

    During his long career, Luboš Kohoutek discovered 75 asteroids, and five comets, including Comet Kohoutek, which was visible to the naked eye in 1973. He also discovered a large number of planetary nebulae.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Weather forecast
    01/06/2024

    Sunday will be overcast with snow in most parts of the country. Temperatures will range between -5 and 0 degrees Celsius.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Water levels on Czechia’s rivers subsiding
    01/06/2024

    Water levels on Czechia’s rivers, swollen be several days of heavy rain and melting snow, are gradually subsiding.

    The Labe River in Ústí nad Labem, Litoměřice and Děčín is still on the highest, third level flood alert, but its levels should drop to the second level by Sunday noon.

    The highest of the three level flood alerts is also reported on the Vltava River in Český Krumlov.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Traffic at Prague airport disrupted by fog and weather station malfunction
    01/06/2024

    Traffic at Prague's Václav Havel Airport has been disrupted since early hours of Saturday due to thick fog and a malfunction at the airport’s weather station.

    The malfunction was caused by a lightning, which struck the station during a storm on Thursday night, preventing air traffic controllers from providing complete information to aircrew in case of reduced visibility.

    The heavy fog has so far prevented 12 planes from landing and seven other flights were cancelled by carriers. Due to the worsening weather, the airport is expecting further restrictions on arrivals.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Czechs stun Finland to win bronze at World Junior Hockey Championship
    01/06/2024

    Czechia has won the bronze medal in the ice hockey’s World Junior Championship in Sweden on Friday. The Czechs overcame Finland’s 5-2 lead and scored the only five goals of the third period to defeat the Finnish team 8-5.

    Tomáš Hamara scored the winner at 18:19, just 15 seconds after the Czechs had tied the score, and they then added two empty netters. The victory was a shock for Finland which looked dominant in the last half of the second period.
    Author: Ruth Fraňková

  • Weather forecast
    01/05/2024

    Saturday should be overcast with rain or snow showers and day temperatures between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. Sunday should bring snow around the country, with Arctic conditions expected next week.

  • Road death toll last year second lowest on record
    01/05/2024

    Over 450 people died on Czech roads in 2023, which is the second lowest road death toll since 1961, when police stating keeping track, according to data released on Friday. Traffic police registered 94,945 accidents last year, 3,515 fewer than in 2022. A new road law which took effect with the start of the New Year, aims to improve the record further, by imposing much higher penalties for the most serious transgressions which often result in fatal accidents, such as speeding, drink-driving and using a hand-held mobile.
    Author: Daniela Lazarová

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