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Meteorologists at the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute have extended a fire weather warning to the whole of the Czech Republic, in reaction to especially dry conditions over the coming days. In line with the warning, individuals should refrain from building campfires, smoking or heating meals on portable cookers while in nature. In addition, meteorologists have said parts of the country (Bohemia, southern Moravia) will see daytime temperatures of around 33 degrees Celsius up to Sunday. Small children and the elderly, especially, should not remain in the sun for long periods and individuals should be sure to drink plenty of liquids, specialists said.

The Czech Hydrological Institute has issued a warning that groundwater levels as well as river levels are falling to dangerously low levels across the country, with some places such as areas around the rivers Berounka, Litavka and Sázava faring the worst. In some cases, levels are down to 20 percent of normal levels. Dominik Jun spoke with Jan Daňhelka, head of the Hydrological Forecasting Department at the Czech Hydrological Institute to find out more. He began by asking him to describe just how bad he thought the situation was in the Czech

In related news, meteorologists have issued fire warnings in west Bohemia near Karlovy Vary, and Liberec in north Bohemia as a result of a continuing dry spell. The warnings will be in effect from Saturday to Monday at least. Parts of the Czech Republic have been threatened by drought in recent weeks after a mild winter and spring saw little snow cover and subsequent melting, as well as less rainfall than usual. By comparison the Czech capital, as well as eastern parts of the country, is expected to see rain over the weekend.

Since February the Czech Republic has seen unusually low precipitation levels, which, combined with last winter's lack of greater snow cover, has led to low water capacity in the soil. The result is the possibility of damaging drought hitting parts of the country. And with the forecast for the coming weeks predicting little rain, the situation is not likely to get better soon.

Dry weather and high daytime temperatures have prompted meteorologists to issue a fire warning. The areas most at risk of a fire breaking out are Prague, Central Bohemia, and the Usti and South Moravia regions. Hikers and campers in the countryside have been recommended not to make campfires and to refrain from smoking. They have also been asked to not to use cigarette lighters, camping gas-cookers and other implements that can produce a naked flame. The warning is expected to stay in place until Tuesday, when a cold front should bring rain to the Czech Republic and thus reduce the risk of conflagrations.

The Czech Republic seems to be experiencing one weather extreme after another. Last year, the country saw the worst flooding in 500 years. This year a long and very hot summer combined with lower rainfall than usual to make 2003 one of the driest years in recent memory.