PRAGUE, Sept. 11 -- Heavy rains are expected to hit the Czech Republic in the second half of this week and are likely to cause widespread watercourse flooding over a large part of the country, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMU) issuing a flood warning on Wednesday.

"During the next few days, at least until Sunday, the weather in our country will be influenced by a pressure low associated with a frontal break-up, which will bring significant rainfalls to most of the territory," the CHMU said.

"In the southeastern half of the territory and in the mountains in the northeast and north of Bohemia, the expected rainfall is between 150 and 250 mm (over four days)," it warned.

As a result of the heavy rainfall, there is a risk of significant rises in water levels from Friday evening. Meteorologists predict the highest rises with numerous exceedances of the third flood level during Saturday and Sunday.

Speaking at an emergency government press conference, Environment Minister Petr Hladik said the situation regarding the extreme rainfall forecast is similar to that of the major floods in 1997 and 2002. The following days, including the weekend, will be critical.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan has asked all mayors to check the flood and evacuation plans in their municipalities, and urged organizers of social events to only carry out planned events if they are sure that they will take place safely.

The heavy rains came just under a week after the extreme heat ended. According to the CHMU, this year has brought the third-highest number of tropical days in the Czech Republic since 1990.

  - Xinhua