Czechia is currently experiencing one of its coldest weeks in recent history after a major disruption of the polar vortex pushed Arctic air deep into Central Europe. Temperatures across the country have plunged to nearly 15°C below the long-term seasonal average, making Czechia the coldest region in Central Europe this week.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the Country

Several regions have reported extreme lows:

• Šumava Mountains: The Kvilda-Perla station recorded a national low of -30.6°C on Monday.

• Jizera Mountains: Peat bogs in Jizerka dropped to -25.8°C early Tuesday.

• Ore Mountains: Jelení saw temperatures fall to -27.9°C shortly after midnight.

• Prague: Residents woke up to -8.4°C, with wind chill pushing the “feels like” temperature to -13°C in the city center.

Meteorologists warn that the coldest conditions for the capital are still ahead, with Wednesday morning expected to reach -10.3°C, marking the peak of the current cold snap.

Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings

Authorities are urging caution, especially in mountainous regions. When temperatures fall below -10°C, traditional road salt becomes ineffective.

• Road crews in the Liberec and Jizera regions have switched to sand and gravel.

• High-altitude routes, including the road between Mníšek and Raspenava, have been closed to heavy vehicles due to hazardous icy conditions.

A Stark Contrast Across Europe

While Czechia endures Arctic conditions, parts of Europe are seeing dramatically different weather:

• Sweden: -40.8°C (coldest in Europe this week)

• Czechia: -30.6°C (coldest in Central Europe)

• Switzerland: -30.3°C (La Brévine)

• Greece: Nighttime temperatures around +20°C

• Montenegro: Up to 400 mm of rainfall forecast

When Will the Cold Ease?

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI), the deep freeze is expected to persist until Thursday. By Friday, a low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic should bring slightly warmer air, though it is also expected to deliver heavy snowfall across much of the country.

Residents are advised to dress for extreme cold, limit travel where possible, and stay informed through official weather updates.

Sources: Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI), ECMWF Weather Models, Windy.com