Czechia faces severe hydrological drought as rivers dry up and water reserves drop

As severe heat and precipitation shortages continue across Czechia, hydrologists report that rainfall remains 34 percent below normal levels, placing the country in a state of hydrological drought. In response to falling water levels along the Vltava River Cascade, water management authorities prepared to draw emergency storage from the Slapy reservoir to maintain minimum downstream flows, an operational measure estimated to occur once every 50 years.

Stream levels across Moravia have dropped well below half their usual volume, leaving some smaller waterways entirely dry and prompting local volunteers to relocate aquatic species from dried-up riverbeds. Environmental experts warn that regions such as Southern Moravia and Polabí face long-term risks of desertification without comprehensive landscape adaptation, while public surveys reflect rising concerns over extreme heat and climate response.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy, Český rozhlas Plus.