More strong storms accompanied by wind gusts of up to 70 km/h and hail are expected to arrive in the Czech Republic on Thursday, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) warned on Wednesday. The warning applies mainly to southern Bohemia’s eastern part of the country. Fires are threatening in the west.

The warning against severe thunderstorms is valid from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday for the South Bohemia, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, and Vysočina regions. For Moravia and Silesia, it will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thunderstorms may be accompanied by wind gusts of around 20 m/s (70 km/h), hail, and torrential rain, during which up to 30 mm of water may fall. Meteorologists also warned of the possibility of streams and rivers being swollen and underpasses, subways, and cellars flooded.

“Care should be taken for safety, especially the risk of lightning and injury due to falling and flying objects,” they added, saying drivers should reduce their speed and drive very carefully when driving in the storm.

The ČHMÚ also warned of an increased risk of wildfires in the western part of the country. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday until further notice.

In this context, meteorologists have warned of expected high temperatures over the weekend, with temperatures of up to 31 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

Source