White Christmas likely in parts of Czechia as cold weather sets in

This year's Christmas Eve is set to be one of the coldest in 16 years, with snow expected from mid-altitudes and higher, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). Snowfall is forecast for several areas today and into Tuesday morning. On Christmas Eve, temperatures are predicted to range from -2 to 2°C.

ČHMÚ reports that the chance of a white Christmas in Czechia has declined in recent decades, especially in lower-altitude areas. While mountainous regions above 1,000 meters have over an 80% chance of snow on Christmas Eve, cities like Prague and České Budějovice have less than a 20% likelihood. The warmest Christmas Eve was recorded in 1980 at 6.4°C, while the coldest was in 1961 at -14.9°C. Prague last experienced snow on Christmas Eve in 2010, reflecting a warming trend that has resulted in milder holiday seasons across the country.