The Czech Republic is in the grip of severe frosts, with temperatures in the mountains dropping as low as -30.2°C.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), nighttime temperatures across much of the country ranged between -9°C and -14°C, while mountainous regions experienced even harsher conditions.

The freezing conditions have persisted for several nights. “Tuesday night was particularly cold, especially in northwestern and northern Bohemia, where skies remained clear. Here, temperatures commonly fell to -9°C to -14°C, with some areas dropping to around -16°C. In the Jizera Mountains, we recorded temperatures below -20°C,” ČHMÚ meteorologists reported on X.

The lowest temperature of the night was measured at Kořenov Jizerka, where the station recorded -30.2°C at 5:00 AM.

“Elsewhere in the country, low-lying areas remained under compact cloud cover, preventing extreme temperature drops. In these locations, temperatures mostly ranged between -4°C and -9°C,” meteorologists added.

Daytime Temperatures Struggle to Rise

Even during the day, the frost is unlikely to ease. In some areas, temperatures will remain below freezing. “Cloud cover is gradually decreasing from the north and will continue to clear throughout the day. By the afternoon, most of the country will see sunshine, but maximum temperatures will only reach -4°C to +1°C,” meteorologists predict.

The intense frosts are expected to persist for a few more days.

“We anticipate strong frosts to continue until Thursday. However, by the second half of the week, temperatures will start to rise significantly, and daytime highs will climb well above freezing,” meteorologists forecasted.

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The City of Prague has officially approved a new name for the planned transport hub in Prague 5.

The current designation, Smíchovské Nádraží, will be replaced by Nádraží Smíchov, a name that will now be used across all navigation and information systems.

“Since this hub will connect trains, the metro, city and intercity buses, and trams in one location, it’s essential to have a single, clear name to help passengers navigate easily. The name Nádraží Smíchov accurately reflects its significance while preserving the long-standing identity of Smíchov’s railway station. And now that we’ve secured the final permit, we can begin construction as early as next year! The new station will be a state-of-the-art 21st-century interchange that will not only transform Smíchov but also improve Prague’s overall transport network,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor of Prague for Transport.

The station is expected to handle tens of thousands of passengers daily, making it the third-busiest transport hub in Prague, following Hlavní nádraží (Main Station) and Masarykovo nádraží.

“I am pleased that we finally have an official name. This is not just about transport infrastructure but also about clearly defining the city’s topography,” added Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial and Strategic Development.

The adjacent tram and bus stops will also adopt this name, creating a uniform system for travelers.

These updates will be progressively introduced into Prague’s transport signage and wayfinding systems.

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One of the world’s biggest musical phenomena of today will kick off the European leg of his “The Big Ass Tour” on August 12, 2025, at Letňany Airport in Prague.

9x diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone is set to embark on his biggest international headline tour to date with Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS World Tour, extending his North America run to Europe this August and September 2025.

Known for redefining the modern concert experience with his genre-blending sound and electrifying stage presence, Post will bring a massive production to eleven venues across Europe — marking his first-ever stadium shows in the EU and UK.

The BIG ASS World Tour, produced by Live Nation, promises fans a concert experience filled with a mix of his biggest hits, fan favorites, and brand new songs from his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, released in August 2024.

Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was just nominated for a GRAMMY® award for “Best Country Album.”

Included on the album was the hit single “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen which crash landed at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

About Post Malone

Post Malone (real name Austin Richard Post) was born in Syracuse, N.Y., and moved to Texas, when he was about 10.

Breaking out on SoundCloud in 2015 with his single “White Iverson,” which eventually reached No. 15 on the Hot 100. He scored his first No. 1 hit with “Rockstar” featuring 21 Savage, which ruled for eight weeks.

His No. 1s didn’t stop there, though: 2018’s “Psycho” with Ty Dolla $ign and “Sunflower” with Swae Lee for the ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse’ soundtrack, as well as 2019’s “Circles” also all made it to the top spot.

He is also known for No. 1 albums such as 2018’s ‘Beerbongs & Bentleys’ and 2019’s ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding.’’ He has collaborated with heavyweights such as Nicki Minaj, SZA, Young Thug, Lil Baby, Ozzy Osbourne, Meek Mill, Halsey and Future.

Tickets: 

The German investment firm Union Investment is reportedly considering the sale of the Palladium shopping center in central Prague.

According to Hospodářské noviny (HN), the company aims to secure approximately CZK 17.5 billion (around 700 million euros) — for the property.

For context, Union Investment acquired Palladium in 2015 for 14.3 billion CZK (roughly 570 million euros at the current exchange rate).

Fabian Hellbusch, head of marketing and communications at Union Investment, confirmed the possibility of selling the shopping complex.

He explained that the recovery of retail markets after the Covid downturn has led to renewed buyer interest. “Buyers have returned and are prepared to pay competitive prices for quality assets,” he noted.

The property owner has enlisted CBRE to manage the sale. The consulting firm, which played a role in the center’s previous sale a decade ago, now stands ready to facilitate this high-profile transaction.

Additionally, Josef Karas, head of the investment department at Knight Frank, remarked that “the price reflects Palladium’s status as one of the top shopping centers in Central and Eastern Europe.”

Palladium opened in 2007 and contains 170 shops and 30 restaurants, with a retail area of 39,000 square metres.

There is also designated office space in the building totalling 19,500 square metres. The site where Palladium stands was under control of the Army until being sold in the 1990s.

The new design has retained the facade of the previous Josef Barracks building. During the construction process, a number of medieval ruins were found underneath the construction site in an archeological excavation.

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The European Union is preparing to restrict certain food imports from the United States to bolster domestic agriculture.

This move comes as a direct countermeasure to US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, according to the Financial Times.

The European Commission is expected to approve a review of current import limits next week. Early indications suggest that the new restrictions may focus on products like soybeans produced using pesticides that EU farmers cannot legally apply.

By enforcing these standards, the EU aims to protect its agricultural sector and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.

Officials have emphasized that these measures are designed to shield local producers from products manufactured under different environmental and safety regulations.

In doing so, the bloc seeks to create a level playing field and maintain the integrity of its domestic market.

“We have very clear signals from the parliament, very clear signals also from the member states and from our farmers: whatever is banned in the EU, it should be banned in the EU, even if it is an imported product,” European Commission’s health commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said in an interview in January.

Trump on Thursday attacked countries that blocked US products, including the EU, which he said barred shellfish from 48 of the US’s 50 states. He has threatened tariffs on those who do not change their policy.

The commission has long opposed calls from France and other member states for reciprocal treatment, arguing that it could be in breach of WTO rules. The body only allows restrictions on scientific grounds that do not discriminate against imports.

The EU bans many pesticides because they damage plants or animals — even as its health agency has ruled that some are safe to ingest at low levels. The EU plan is included in a Vision for Agriculture road map drawn up by farm commissioner Christophe Hansen. An official with knowledge of the document plans said it referenced the need to abide by international rules.

“We are only talking about the most hazardous pesticides and there will be an impact assessment to protect competitiveness before any decisions,” one official said, adding that “we need coffee and mangoes and avocados”.

Várhelyi said pesticides using carcinogens, mutagens or endocrine disrupters should not be allowed into the bloc on imported food.

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A new amendment to the Tourism Act will require all accommodation providers, including hotels and private Airbnb rentals, to register in the upcoming eTurista system.

The proposal has passed its first reading in the Chamber of Deputies, with implementation planned for hotels this year and private rentals next year.

The amendment also grants municipalities the power to regulate short-term rentals in apartment buildings. Local governments will be able to set restrictions on rental periods, limit the number of days a property can be rented per year, and impose occupancy limits based on apartment size.

“Hotels and other registered accommodations must follow strict regulations and are subject to inspections and potential sanctions. However, authorities often have no oversight over short-term rentals via digital platforms, allowing some hosts to operate in a legal gray zone,” said Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek (STAN).

Kulhánek emphasized that the lack of regulation negatively affects popular tourist destinations like central Prague and the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains). Unregistered accommodations often fail to report foreign guests and avoid paying local accommodation fees.

“Our estimates suggest that the state loses nearly CZK 800 million annually in unpaid taxes from unregistered accommodations, while municipalities lose another 55 million crowns in local fees,” the minister added.

Mandatory Registration for All Accommodation Providers

Under the new rules, all accommodation providers—whether hotels, guesthouses, or private landlords renting out apartments—must register in the eTurista system. Without a valid registration number, online platforms will be prohibited from listing properties for rent.

Authorities will be able to impose fines of up to CZK 100,000 on providers who fail to register.

The Ministry of Regional Development expects the eTurista system to be operational this spring, initially in a trial phase. According to contract records, the IT system’s development cost CZK 34.4 million including VAT.

The law is expected to take effect in late 2025, with the short-term rental regulations officially enforced from May 2026.

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Czechia is bracing for a week of freezing temperatures, with nighttime lows plummeting to -15°C.  The cold spell will peak midweek before a gradual warming starts on Thursday.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) reports that a high-pressure system over northern and central Europe will drive the extreme cold.

People were advised to dress in multiple layers, wear suitable footwear, and limit outdoor exposure, especially for children, the elderly, and those in poor health.

The deep freeze will intensify on Monday, with clear to partly cloudy skies, though some areas may see temporary cloud cover and isolated snowfall. Nighttime temperatures will plunge to between -10°C and -15°C, with daytime highs reaching -3°C to 1°C.

Tuesday and Wednesday will bring similar conditions, though daytime temperatures may rise slightly to 2°C.

Thursday will remain mostly clear to partly cloudy, with temporary cloud cover moving in from the west. However, warmer air will start to arrive. The lowest nighttime temperatures will range from -8°C to -12°C, or around -6°C in cloudier areas. During the day, temperatures could climb to 4°C.

The trend of clear to partly cloudy skies will continue into the weekend, though fog and low clouds may develop in some areas, including freezing fog.

Nighttime temperatures will range from -3°C to -8°C, while daytime highs could reach up to 7°C. In areas with persistent low cloud cover or fog, temperatures may remain around 0°C.

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Hundreds of guests attending the Czech Ball at Prague’s Municipal House were evacuated on Saturday evening after an anonymous caller reported a bomb in the historic building.

Police and emergency services swiftly responded, closing off the area and conducting a thorough inspection.

“We received a report via the emergency line about a possible explosive device inside the Municipal House,” police spokeswoman Eva Kropáčová told Novinky.cz. “Evacuation is underway, and the building is being searched.”

Authorities cleared approximately 500 people from the venue and cordoned off the surrounding streets as a precaution. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to inspect the premises.

A large emergency response team arrived at the scene, including police units, firefighters, and paramedics.

Given the freezing temperatures of around -5°C, medical teams dispatched a special Fenix emergency vehicle to assist those waiting outside.

Just after 11 p.m., police confirmed there was no danger, and the ball resumed after more than an hour. Authorities are now searching for the person behind the false alarm, who could face charges for spreading panic.

The seventh edition of the Czech Ball is an annual high-society event held at the Municipal House, one of Prague’s most famous landmarks.

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An alarming new drug, nitazene, is making its way through Czech online platforms.

Sourced from China, this substance—more dangerous than fentanyl—has already captured the attention of customs officials.

In recent weeks, online spaces have seen a surge of advertisements promoting nitazene worldwide. Customs officers in the Czech Republic have intercepted shipments linked to the drug, prompting concerns over its spread.

Investigative efforts by Bellingcat and coverage on investigace.cz have shed light on the issue. Their research uncovered numerous nearly identical ads. One such message read:

“Hello, friend. Our advantage is safe and fast delivery, ensuring your products arrive on time and in pristine condition. Our efficient process balances security and speed for a seamless experience every time.”

These ads typically include contact details via Telegram or Signal and display an image of a white to grayish powder.

In the Czech Republic, the drug has been promoted on eight different websites—including Hyperinzerce, Chov zvířat, Zbavsetoho, and primabazar.cz—although inquiries have so far gone unanswered.

More Toxic Than Fentanyl

Developed around sixty years ago as an alternative to morphine, nitazene was never approved for medical use. In stark contrast to fentanyl, nitazene compounds are estimated to be ten to forty times more toxic; a mere one-milligram dose can prove fatal.

Despite these risks, nitazene has found its way into the illegal market. Evidence suggests that Chinese manufacturers are behind the recent wave of promotions. Czech customs have documented several related cases.

Lucie Šmoldasová, spokesperson for the National Anti-Drug Center, commented:

“Current criminal law data in the Czech Republic do not reflect widespread nitazene production. However, we cannot rule out targeted online shipments to specific users. Moreover, the drug’s presence is not yet apparent when comparing fatal and non-fatal intoxications.”

She noted that increased instances of nitazene have been reported in Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, and Great Britain.

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The Czech government is set to discuss regulated sales of kratom and cannabis with THC levels up to 1% on Wednesday, with the changes potentially taking effect in July.

The regulation focuses on substances deemed to pose low public health and social risks based on current scientific evidence.

These include kratom and kratom extracts, known for their stimulant and pain-relieving effects; cannabis with up to 1 percent THC, a low-potency form of cannabis with minimal psychoactive effects.

Low-THC cannabis products will be permitted to be sold in licensed stores starting this summer in Czechia, although certain forms of commerce such as automated vending machines remain prohibited.

Additionally, starting on April 1, 2025, general practitioners (GPs) in the Czech Republic will be authorized to prescribe medical cannabis to suffering patients. The policy change is a result of a new decree from the nation’s Ministry of Health.

“The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob previously said.

Medical cannabis was first legalized in Czechia in 2013, however, only specialists can currently prescribe it resulting in roughly 8,000 patients receiving legal access.

There is also a push in Czechia for wider adult-use cannabis legalization. However, that effort must clear various political hurdles before reaching the finish line and becoming law.

The Czech Republic’s cabinet approved a plan late last year that would permit adults in the European nation to cultivate multiple plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis.

The proposal is part of a draft regulation listing so-called psychomodulatory substances, which falls under this year’s psychomodulants act.

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SaSaZu, one of Prague’s most acclaimed restaurants, is hosting an exclusive dinner on March 17, 2025.

Guests will have the rare chance to taste a menu inspired by the legendary Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse restaurant in Monte Carlo.

The event will be led by Emmanuel Pilon, the head chef of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, alongside SaSaZu’s chefs, Ari Munandar and Andy Tan.

The one-night-only experience will bring together some of the finest culinary minds, blending the best of French haute cuisine with Asian flavors.

Emmanuel Pilon, who upholds the legacy of Alain Ducasse, is known for his dedication to authentic taste, precision, and innovation. Under Ducasse’s philosophy, dishes emphasize less salt, sugar, and fat, promoting a refined yet health-conscious approach to fine dining.

Alain Ducasse is a culinary icon, having accumulated 21 Michelin stars throughout his career. His meticulous approach to cooking has shaped the modern fine-dining landscape, making this event a must-attend for food enthusiasts.

Since its opening, SaSaZu has been at the forefront of Prague’s dining scene, renowned for its Asian fusion cuisine.

The restaurant is known for combining authentic Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques, offering guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Thanks to its commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors, SaSaZu has earned a loyal following among those seeking extraordinary dining experiences.

• Date: March 17, 2025, from 7:00 PM
• Location: SaSaZu, Bubenské nábřeží, Prague 7
• Price: CZK 9,990 (includes wine pairing)

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In a shocking act of vandalism, a man in Prague damaged 52 cars in a single evening on February 2.

The incident took place in Vršovice, near the tennis courts on Magnitogorská Street and Baškirská Street.

Police were alerted by an eyewitness who saw the suspect slashing car tires. When officers arrived, they realized the scale of the damage was much larger than expected.

All the affected cars had been parked illegally—on sidewalks, lawns, or outside designated spaces—likely due to a football match at the nearby Eden stadium.

A few minutes after the police arrived, they detained a 46-year-old man, who admitted to the crime during questioning. He expressed his frustration with football fans, explaining that he disliked how they often disregard parking rules.

However, it was later revealed that some of the damaged cars belonged to the man’s neighbors. These cars were temporarily parked on the street after the owners had trouble finding space near their homes.

According to police spokeswoman Eva Kropachová, the suspect had a history of setting fire to abandoned cars in his neighborhood, which homeless people had used. The suspect had consumed a large amount of alcohol before committing the act, with a breathalyzer reading of 1.5 ppm.

The total damage from the incident was estimated at CZK 300,000. A criminal case has been opened and the man faces up to two years in prison.

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