Czech news in brief for July 8: Tuesday’s top headlines

After a scorching start to summer, the Czech Republic is bracing for a significant cooldown and heavy rainfall this week. Temperatures will fall to 14°C in the northeast with persistent showers, while the west stays warmer with less rain. Flood alerts are in place in the Beskydy region. Forecasters say temperatures will stay below average for weeks, with increased rainfall expected.

Experts from the European electricity network ENTSO-E will assist ČEPS in investigating Friday’s massive power outage in the Czech Republic. The failure, caused by a fallen phase conductor, left about one million people without power. A full analysis will take weeks. Affected businesses, including restaurants and industrial firms, are demanding compensation, while officials stress the need for infrastructure modernization and better crisis response.

The Central Flood Commission will meet on Tuesday amid forecasts of extreme rain in the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountains. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued its highest warning for parts of the Zlín and Moravian-Silesian regions, where up to 200 mm of rain may fall. Rivers may rise to flood levels. Officials will monitor developments and update warnings as the situation unfolds.

A new EU emissions scheme could cost Czech households thousands of crowns annually, experts warn. The ETS 2 system, launching in 2027, will raise prices for fuel and heating. Critics call it a burden on rural and low-income families, while supporters argue it funds climate aid. Prague and 17 EU states seek reforms to soften economic shocks and control market volatility.

French dairy group Savencia will shut its Hodonín plant in the coming months due to falling demand for processed cheese, affecting hundreds of jobs. Production of brands like Apetito and Bambino will move to Germany. The company has pledged severance, retraining, and job support for workers. The closure won’t impact other Savencia facilities in the Czech Republic or Slovakia.