Czech news in brief for July 1: Tuesday’s top headlines

The first week of July will bring tropical temperatures across the Czech Republic, possibly reaching 37 degrees Celsius on Thursday, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. The second week is expected to cool slightly, with highs around 24 degrees Celsius and lows near 12 degrees Celsius. By mid-to-late July, temperatures should return to seasonal averages, with daily highs around 26 degrees Celsius. Forecasters note greater uncertainty for the latter half of the month as weather patterns become more variable.

Czech traffic fatalities dropped to 181 in the first half of 2025, down from 204 during the same period last year, according to police data released Monday. However, June saw 44 deaths, 21 more than in March, making it the deadliest month so far. The most tragic day was June 15, when eight people died—matching a 2019 record. Despite the overall decrease, officials note June remains a persistent high-risk month for road fatalities.

Firefighters nearly extinguished a forest fire Monday in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, where flames broke out near the village of Mariina vyhlídka. The blaze, spanning 100 meters in rugged terrain, was stopped with help from nine fire units and a Black Hawk helicopter. No injuries were reported. Crews continue to monitor for flare-ups. The fire’s cause is under investigation. A drought-related fire warning remains in effect across the Usti region through Tuesday due to high temperatures.

Police have arrested a 31-year-old man accused of robbing cash registers and mailboxes in Prague 10 nine times late last year, using an open umbrella to hide his actions. He caused damages totaling CZK 300,000 and stole electronics, pet food, and other goods. Initially treated as separate cases, the burglaries were later linked. The suspect, already in custody for other crimes, has been charged with theft and faces up to three years in prison, police said Monday.

Czech tennis player Barbora Krejčíková begins her Wimbledon title defense Tuesday against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, despite a recent thigh injury. Six Czech players, including Karolína Muchová, Kateřina Siniaková, Tomáš Macháč and Jakub Menšík, are set to compete in singles. On Monday, Jiří Lehečka, Markéta Vondroušová, Linda Nosková and Marie Bouzková advanced, while Vít Kopřiva and Linda Fruhvirtová were eliminated. Retiring two-time champion Petra Kvitová will face 10th-seeded American Emma Navarro later today.

Ostrava-based Leseft International denied allegations by Ukrainian media that it mediated supplies for Russian missile components. Ukrainska Pravda reported the company ordered goods worth nearly CZK 500 million for Russian clients since the invasion of Ukraine. Managing director Lev Seferjan dismissed the claims as false and damaging. The report followed remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about companies aiding Russia. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said no evidence supports such claims involving Czech firms.