Drought in the Czech Republic reaches critical levels

Drought conditions in the Czech Republic are becoming increasingly critical. Data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute show that almost all monitored rivers and streams have below-average flows, with most recording exceptionally low levels. In many cases, flows are the lowest ever recorded. Some of the smallest streams have dried up completely.

The flow of the Elbe is among the lowest in the history of measurements. The Vltava is in a somewhat better situation in some places thanks to reservoirs, but in České Budějovice it has also reached its lowest recorded flow.

The falling water level at the Orlík Reservoir has even exposed the remains of a former hydroelectric plant in Doubrava in the České Budějovice area, built in 1929. It was demolished and submerged in the 1960s when the Orlík Reservoir was created.

Water levels are also falling in wells. The forecast suggests that the situation is unlikely to improve in the coming days.