Drought Continues in Czech Republic With High Temperature, Short of Rain

Drought continued in all areas of the Czech Republic as soil drought has spread and currently affects three-quarters of the country, according to a statement released by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) on Thursday.

The previous week was characterized by a higher temperature, which intensified mainly the evaporation from the soil and watercourses. Statistics from the institution showed that it was four degrees Celsius warmer than the average for the period, but only about a third of the normal amount of rain fell.

Drought spread to 75 percent of the country’s territory from 64 percent in the previous week, as shown by drying and dying of vegetation.

According to the institute, conifers are the most affected species. Some wildwood species, such as birch, hazel, sycamore, cherry, hornbeam, start to turn yellow prematurely.

For watercourses, the water authorities begin to gradually regulate the pumping of water. Significant rain (from local storms) occurred at the weekend, but its impact was only short-termed. The groundwater level did not change much compared to the previous week and remained strongly below normal.

According to hydrologists, no improvement is expected in August.

Author: red