Czech heating plants to begin season a month early

Heating plants across the Czech Republic are set to kick off the heating season earlier than usual this year, following a sharp drop in temperatures. Unlike last year’s late start around mid-October, heating will commence in some regions, including Karlovy Vary and higher altitude areas, as soon as Thursday.

The decision to start heating earlier comes in response to an exceptional temperature drop this September, which saw average daily temperatures plummet from over 20°C to below 10°C within days. This rapid shift is described by Jiří Vecka, director of the Heating Association, as a rare jump from summer to mid-October conditions. “A 15-degree drop in daily temperatures in such a short time is unprecedented for September,” Vecka noted.

The beginning of September was unusually warm, with temperatures consistently above 20°C and several records set. However, this week has brought a stark contrast, with temperatures expected to dip significantly before the weekend. Historical data from 2010 and 2015 show similar mid-September winter-like conditions.

Typically, heating in the Czech Republic starts around September 17, based on long-term averages. In 2010 and 2017, heating began in early September, while last year saw a delayed start in mid-October.

According to Czech law, the heating season runs from September 1 to May 31. Heating plants are required to begin supplying heat if the average daily temperature falls below 13°C for two consecutive days and does not rise the following day. Conversely, heating may be reduced or halted if temperatures rise above 13°C for at least two consecutive days.

The Heating Association reported earlier this year that the 2023-2024 heating season was the shortest and warmest in 60 years, with domestic heating plants providing up to 10% less heat than average due to the unusually warm weather.

Source: CTK