Weather and Drones: A Complete Guide for Pilots in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Weather and drones: a complete guide for pilots in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Introduction: why weather is key

Drones have become a normal part of our lives over the last decade. They have evolved from originally a specialised technology for the military and industry to an accessible tool for filmmakers, photographers, real estate agents, sports enthusiasts and amateur pilots. In Prague, Brno, Pilsen, Beroun, Říčany, Benešov or Kamenice it is now common to see a drone at a wedding, festival or sporting event. In Slovakia, the situation is similar – Bratislava, Košice and the Tatras have become places where drones help capture unique moments.

But while technology is improving, natural conditions remain constant. Weather is a factor that a pilot can never fully control. Wind, rain, temperature, frost or even solar activity can determine whether a flight goes smoothly or ends in a crash. This guide therefore offers a detailed look at how weather affects drones, what the risks are and how to avoid them.

The wind: every pilot's invisible rival

Wind is the most common cause of problems when flying. Small drones that weigh only a few hundred grams are extremely sensitive to gusts. Although modern stabilisation systems can compensate a lot, there is no getting around the physics.

• Battery consumption: strong winds force the motors to work harder, reducing flight time.
• Stability: gusts can cause sudden changes in attitude, which is especially dangerous when shooting over people or buildings.

Recommendation: do not fly in winds above 10 m/s. For smaller drones, a safe limit is more likely to be around 5–7 m/s.

Practical example. A pilot relying on visual calm can be surprised by a sudden gust. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor apps like Windy or UAV Forecast, which show not only the wind speed, but also its direction and gusts.

Rain and humidity: water as the biggest enemy

Electronics and water never like each other. Rain is literally "enemy number one" for a drone.

• Damage to electronics: water can penetrate motors, controllers or the camera system.
• Sensors: Moisture distorts data from ultrasonic sensors and can disrupt image transmission.
• Warranty: Manufacturers, such as DJI, clearly state that water damage is not covered.

Practical experience. The pilot, who wanted "a few more shots", took a risk and the drone stopped responding after a few minutes. The repair cost more than the drone itself. The lesson is clear – as soon as it starts raining, land immediately.

Cold and frost: the hidden threat

Flying in winter has its charms – snowy landscapes, mountain scenery, frozen ponds. But it is winter that brings the greatest risks.

• Frost on propellers: even a thin layer of ice significantly reduces the efficiency of propellers. Vibrations can damage the engines and lead to crashes.
• Batteries: They discharge faster in the cold and can struggle to deliver the power they need.

Tips: keep batteries warm, for example in a pocket under a jacket. Check propellers before starting. If icing is suspected, land immediately.

Practical example: in the Tatras the weather changes within minutes. A pilot who took off at -5 °C found after five minutes that the propellers were vibrating. Frost formed quickly and the drone had to make an emergency landing.

Solar activity and the Kp index: an invisible risk from space

Few people realise that even the sun can affect a drone. Geomagnetic storms disrupt the GPS signal and the compass.

• Kp index: measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0–9.
• 0–2: calm conditions.
• 4+: risk of GPS interference.
• 7–9: extreme storms, risk of loss of navigation.

Impact on drones: GPS signal interference, loss of orientation, risk of collision.

Recommendation: do not fly at Kp ≥ 5.

Practical example: A geomagnetic storm with a Kp index of 8 has been recorded in 2024. Some pilots reported that their drones lost GPS and started behaving unpredictably. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor applications such as NOAA or UAV Forecast.

Temperature: hot and cold as the enemy

Temperature affects drone performance as much as wind or rain.

• Cold temperatures: shorter flight time, risk of battery hypothermia.
• High temperatures: overheating of motors and electronics.

Recommendation: stick to the manufacturer's operating temperatures (usually 0–40 °C).

Example: at a festival in Pilsen this summer, the drone overheated after 15 minutes of flight. The pilot had to land the drone or risk damaging the electronics.

Practical use in the Czech Republic and SK

Each location has its own specifics:

• Prague and Central Bohemia region: weddings, real estate, festivals – it is necessary to monitor the wind and Kp index.
• Brno, Pilsen, Beroun: sporting events and races – FPV drones sensitive to weather.
• Říčany, Benešov, Kamenice: natural scenery – risk of icing in winter.
• Slovakia (Tatras, Bratislava, Košice): mountain conditions, rapid weather changes.

Summary for Pilots

Factor	Risk for Drone	Recommendation
Wind	Loss of stability, higher power consumption	Fly up to 5–10 m/s
Rain and humidity	Damage to electronics	Do not fly in rain
Frost	Vibration, crash	Land and check propellers
Low temperatures	Rapid battery discharge	Keep batteries warm
Kp index	GPS interference, loss of control	Do not fly at Kp ≥ 5

Extended Tips for Pilots

• Flight planning: Always check the weather forecast at least 24 hours in advance.
• Backup plan: Have an emergency landing site ready.
• Insurance: Drone liability insurance is strongly recommended.

Legal Framework: What the Pilot Must Know

Weather is only one part of the equation. The other is legislation. In both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, rules define where and how a drone may be flown.

• Drone registration: Most drones over 250 g must be registered.
• Category of operation: Open, Specific, and Certified categories. Most pilots operate in the Open category.
• Height limits: Typically up to 120 meters above ground level.
• Flight prohibitions: Near airports, military facilities, and densely populated areas.

Practical example: In Prague, flying over the historic center without a permit is prohibited. Violations may result in fines and confiscation of the drone.

Safety of People and Property

• Wind over crowds: Loss of stability can cause the drone to fall among people.
• Rain over technology: Water can damage drones, cameras, and event equipment.
• Mountain frost: Crashing in inaccessible terrain often means permanent loss of equipment.

A visually attractive shot is never worth the risk of injury or damage.

Recommended Apps and Tools

• Windy: Detailed wind, temperature, and precipitation forecasts.
• UAV Forecast: Drone-focused weather data including the Kp index.
• NOAA Space Weather: Information on geomagnetic activity.
• Mapy.cz and Google Maps: Flight planning and airspace awareness.

Technical Tips for Pilots

• Pre-flight check: Inspect propellers, batteries, and sensors.
• Backup batteries: Cold weather shortens flight time.
• Transport case: Protects the drone from moisture and frost.
• Firmware: Updates often improve stability in adverse conditions.

Examples from Practice in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

• Prague – weddings: Wind turbulence between buildings is common.
• Brno – sporting events: FPV drones are fast but sensitive to gusts.
• Tatras – mountain conditions: Rapid weather changes and high icing risk.
• Košice – urban environment: Strict adherence to legislation is required.

Future Trends

• Waterproof designs: Limited rain-capable drones under development.
• Advanced sensors: Automatic icing detection and landing.
• AI assistants: Real-time weather evaluation and pilot guidance.
• Better batteries: Improved resistance to cold and heat.

Conclusion

Weather is a key factor determining flight safety. Pilots must monitor wind, rain, temperature, icing, and solar activity. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, flights must always be adapted to local conditions. Safe flying protects equipment, surroundings, and people.

Are you interested in the pricing and specific service offerings of FPVvideo? Visit the page Services / Pricing, where you can find an overview of all packages – from wedding drone videos and FPV indoor flights to complete productions for family events (baptisms, birthdays, anniversaries), corporate parties, team building, product presentations, manufacturing process videos, corporate spaces, or promotional videos for municipalities, towns, and regions. We film in locations such as Prague, Central Bohemia, Říčany, Benešov, Beroun, Kamenice, Moravia, and Slovakia. Everything with a focus on quality, safety, and a creative approach.