Amid heatwave, Czech stable workers bring horses to historic Berounka River to cool off

A group of stable workers brought their horses to the Berounka River in Prague on Thursday (June 24) to help the animals cool off during an extreme heatwave.

The workers led their horses into the water multiple times throughout the day as temperatures soared across the Czech Republic.

Teacher Daniela Harovnikova said that the river location was ideal for keeping the horses comfortable during the scorching weather.

"In this extreme heat, we're so glad our horses are near the river, where they can swim as many times as we want every day," she said.

The Czech Republic, like much of Europe, has been experiencing unusually high temperatures as part of a broader heatwave affecting the region.

The heatwave is being driven by ​a weather pattern known as an Omega block, pushing temperatures as much as 18 C above normal, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.

The phenomenon resembles the shape of the Greek letter Omega, with a bulbous middle trapping in heat over regions for extended periods, with cooler weather on its fringes. Heatwaves and storms are being intensified by climate change.

Camera: Eva Korinkova, Production: Eva Korinkova, Anna Lubowicka Writing: Anna Lubowicka, Editing: Anna Lubowicka/Reuters