Powerful storms bearing down on Europe: they'll reach Czechia by Friday

Conditions favourable for powerful thunderstorms — including supercells and large storm systems — are set to develop across Europe over the coming days. According to meteorologists, the severe weather will also reach Czechia, expected around Friday, bringing strong wind gusts, downpours and hail.

How the storms are forming

The cause is a combination of warm, humid air moving ahead of a low-pressure zone and a cold front approaching from the west. Wind shear is intensifying near the front, and the mix of atmospheric energy, high humidity and sharp changes in wind creates ideal conditions for well-organised storms to develop, potentially even supercells.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the main storm activity is expected primarily over France, before spreading to the Alps, the Benelux countries and the British Isles. Overnight into Friday and through Friday itself, the cold front — along with the accompanying band of storms — will shift further east into Central Europe.

What awaits Czechia

According to the forecast, the front will reach Czechia on Friday. Ahead of its arrival, warm, humid air will settle over the country, which will not only fuel the development of intense storms but also bring tropical heat above 30°C to some regions.

Storms are expected to hit western Czechia on Friday afternoon, spreading to other parts of the country by evening. Overnight into Saturday, the bad weather will push further east, affecting parts of Moravia and Silesia.

Current numerical weather models point to a potentially serious storm situation — forecasters believe it could turn out to be one of the most intense of the year. The storms may bring sharp wind gusts, heavy downpours and hail.

It's not yet possible to pinpoint the exact areas at greatest risk, though it appears Bohemia will be hit hardest. Much will depend on the speed of the cold front and the current atmospheric conditions — the forecast will be refined as Friday approaches.

Greatest danger in France

Even before reaching Central Europe, the most powerful storms are expected in France, which was already hit by extremely severe storms on Monday, including a destructive tornado in the south of the country.

A first wave of new storms will strike France as early as Wednesday and overnight into Thursday: the French weather service Météo-France and the European storm-monitoring organisation ESTOFEX have issued a level-two warning. An even more dangerous situation is forecast for France on Thursday and overnight into Friday, with the possible formation of supercells that could merge into large storm systems by evening. Forecasters are warning of large hail, heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, and have not ruled out further tornadoes.

Source: novinky.cz