The Vistula River has again reached an 11 cm level at the “Bulwary” station, matching the lowest historical record for this monitoring point, with further declines possible.
Historical Low Record Matched
On August 22, the water level of the Vistula River at the Warsaw-Bulwary station dropped to 11 cm, matching both this year’s and the historical minimum recorded at the station in July 2025. According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), this marks the lowest level ever documented at the site, with an average historical level estimated at 230 cm.
IMGW Forecast
Daily hydrological bulletins from IMGW classify the Warsaw section of the Vistula as being in a low-water zone, predicting minor further declines. Readings as low as 10 cm, and even 8 cm in upcoming days, were forecast for the “Warszawa-Bulwary” station by August 21–22. This situation stems from an ongoing drought and sustained rainfall deficits.
Citywide Impacts
Due to the critically low water levels, Warsaw’s ferry services across the Vistula have been suspended indefinitely. Affected crossings include Cypel Czerniakowski–Saska Kępa (Słonka), Most Poniatowskiego–Stadion Narodowy (Pliszka), and Podzamcze Fontanny–Zoo (Wilga), as confirmed by the Warsaw Public Transport Authority.
Situation at Regional Monitoring Stations
IMGW also reports exceptionally low levels at other monitoring stations in the Mazovia region. On Friday morning, the Vistula stood at 11 cm in Gusinie, 207 cm in Modlin, 234 cm in Wyszogrod, and 164 cm in Kępa Polska. All these readings remain far below both warning and alarm thresholds.
Root Causes of Record Lows
Industry publications and media outlets attribute the record-low levels to a prolonged rainfall deficit, rising temperatures, and heightened evaporation. In recent weeks, IMGW has reported multi-year minima or levels below historical averages on numerous stations across the Vistula and its tributaries.
Source: MiejskiReporter, IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) and industry publications
