Heatwave and lack of rain worsen drought across Czech Republic

Persistently high temperatures and below-average rainfall are worsening drought conditions across the Czech Republic, with rivers recording exceptionally low water levels, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI). In some locations, river flows have fallen to historic lows.

The drought has been driven by both a lack of precipitation and prolonged heat, which has increased evaporation. Groundwater levels have also deteriorated, with deep wells showing the lowest readings since records began in 1961, the institute said.

Hydrologists warned that if very warm weather continues next week, drought conditions affecting both surface and groundwater are likely to expand further.