On Thursday night and early morning hours, the formation of ice is expected, particularly in the western half of Bohemia. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a new warning for these conditions, which is valid from midnight until 9:00 AM. This ice formation will primarily result from melting snow refreezing as temperatures drop below freezing. Meteorologists explain that with clearing skies and lighter winds, icy patches and frost are likely to develop on surfaces.

In the days leading up to Thursday, several centimeters of new snow have fallen in various locations. However, weather conditions will change on Thursday as a high-pressure system causes a gradual decrease in precipitation and cloud cover. Despite the weakening snowfall, wet snow accumulation is expected to reach between 5 to 10 centimeters in parts of the Beskydy mountains, Jeseníky, and northern Bohemia, with up to 25 centimeters on the windward side of the Jizerské mountains.

This wet snow poses a risk of damage to vegetation, power lines, and can cause outages in the energy supply. The combination of snow and ice earlier in the week has already created hazardous conditions, with expected complications to transportation and a heightened risk of injuries due to slippery roads and walkways.

The updated warning also updated the earlier alert about new snow cover, now limited to specific mountain regions including the Jizerské mountains, Jeseníky, and Beskydy, including the city of Ostrava and nearby areas. Snowfall will ease during the day in the east but could persist through the night in northern Bohemia and the Jeseníky region.

Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially in the western half of Bohemia where freezing of surfaces will create black ice patches. The ČHMÚ’s guidance emphasizes vigilance during the early Thursday hours, when temperatures will be lowest, and road conditions may be most treacherous.