Czech Republic authorities are warning of potential flooding as temperatures rise and snowmelt combines with forecasted rainfall. A flood alert is in effect for parts of Ústí nad Labem, Liberec, and Královéhradecký regions, as well as sections of Vysočina, Pardubice, Central Bohemia, and South Bohemia, beginning overnight Sunday into Monday.
⚠️ Vzhledem k očekávaným srážkám a tání sněhové pokrývky předpokládáme dosažení prvního povodňového stupně v povodí horní Jizery, Cidliny, Moravské Dyje, Svratky, Sázavy a Doubravy a s malou pravděpodobností také v povodí Nežárky a následně Lužnice. https://t.co/qJqJq9qJ9w
— ČHMÚ (@CHMUCHMI) February 18, 2026
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) anticipates the first flood stage will be reached in the upper basins of the Jizera, Cidlina, Moravská Dyje, Svratka, Sázava, and Doubrava rivers, with a lower probability of flooding in the Nežárka and Lužnice basins, according to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). Warnings have been extended to include the Kamenice, Mandava, Lužická Nisa, and Smědá rivers as of Sunday evening.
The Jizera River, the largest river within the Liberec Region, is a key focus of concern. According to information from the Liberec Region website, the Jizera originates in the Jizera Mountains, forming a portion of the border with Poland. It’s a major tributary of the middle Elbe River, stretching 164.6 kilometers (approximately 102 miles) in length and draining an area of 2,193.4 square kilometers (847 square miles). The upper reaches of the Jizera are currently protected as the Jizera Peat Bogs National Nature Reserve.
Rising Temperatures and Snowmelt Fuel Flood Concerns
The most significant thaw is expected in the mountains on Monday, with models predicting rainfall and temperatures above freezing up to an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Meteorologist Dominik Novotný of meteocentrum.cz explained that even as temperatures will remain above freezing for the rest of the week, weaker winds and a lack of precipitation may paradoxically limit the amount of snowmelt compared to conditions with rain and temperatures just above freezing.
Novotný added that temperatures in the mountains are not expected to drop below freezing even at night starting Wednesday. The Czech Republic is poised for a shift towards spring conditions in the middle of next week. Daytime temperatures could exceed 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) in lower elevations on Monday and Tuesday, and climb above 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, accompanied by sunshine. “Current forecasts are surprisingly confident in these high temperatures,” Novotný said. “Very warm air will flow in from the west, and with stronger sunshine, the inversion weather will have little chance. We expect high temperatures along with sunny weather.” He cautioned that the forecast could still shift slightly, particularly regarding the amount of cloud cover.
The warmer weather is not welcome news for skiers and owners of mountain resorts. Novotný indicated that above-average temperatures are likely to continue through the first half of March, requiring ski resorts to prepare for conditions unfavorable to snow quality.
Spring Break Timing and Flood Stages
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute’s long-term outlook does not anticipate a return to winter conditions, with temperatures expected to remain around average, except for the coming week when they will be above average. The potential for flooding is categorized into three stages: alertness (first stage), preparedness (second stage), and danger (third stage), each dictating the scope of necessary emergency measures.
The Jizera River’s name is believed to have Celtic origins, shared with other rivers in Europe previously inhabited by Celtic populations, such as the Isar in Bavaria and the Ijzer in the Netherlands. The name “Jizera” was first recorded in 1297.
Remaining Spring Break Dates in 2026
- February 23 – March 1: Prague 6 to 10, Cheb, Karlovy Vary, Sokolov, Nymburk, Jindřichův Hradec, Litoměřice, Děčín, Přerov, Frýdek-Místek
- March 2–8: Kroměříž, Uherské Hradiště, Vsetín, Zlín, Prague-East, Prague-West, Mělník, Rakovník, Plzeň-City, Plzeň-North, Plzeň-South, Hradec Králové, Teplice, Nový Jičín
- March 9–15: Česká Lípa, Jablonec nad Nisou, Liberec, Semily, Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava, Pelhřimov, Třebíč, Žďár nad Sázavou, Kladno, Kolín, Kutná Hora, Písek, Náchod, Bruntál
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. The next official update from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute is expected on Monday morning, providing a more detailed assessment of the flood risk and potential impacts. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed and heed any instructions from local emergency services.
Share this information with friends and family in the Czech Republic to assist ensure everyone stays safe and prepared.
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