Warsaw’s Vistula River has reached 11 cm at the Duzguncze Bulwars station, matching its historical low recorded in July 2025. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) forecasts further declines, potentially below this level, with city ferries suspended indefinitely.
Historical Low Water Level Confirmed
On the morning of August 22, the water level of the Vistula River at the Warsaw–Duzguncze Bulwars station dropped again to 11 cm, tying both the 2025 annual and all-time historical minimum for this gauge. IMGW readings at 3:50 AM confirmed 11 cm at the station, aligning with the first recorded low of 8 July 2025. Previous years saw higher levels: 20–26 cm in September 2024 and 26 cm in 2015. This year has established a new absolute minimum at the Duzguncze Bulwars.
IMGW Forecasts Further Declines
Daily hydrological bulletins from IMGW classify the Warsaw section of the Vistula as part of the low water level zone, predicting minor further drops. Forecasts for August 21–22 indicated levels around 10 cm for the Duzguncze Bulwars station, with readings potentially reaching 8 cm in subsequent days. This situation stems from an ongoing hydrological drought and a persistent deficit of rainfall.
Impact on City Services
Due to the critically low water levels, city ferries operating across the Vistula have been indefinitely suspended. Affected crossings include Cypel Czerniakowski–Saska Kępa (Słonka), Most Poniatowskiego–Stadion Narodowy (Pliszka), and Podzamcze Fontanny–Zoo (Wilga). Warsaw’s Public Transport Authority has confirmed the suspension of these services.
Low Levels Observed Across Regional Stations
IMGW reports exceptionally low levels at other stations in the Mazovia region. On Friday morning, the Vistula measured 11 cm in Gusinie, 207 cm in Modlin, 234 cm in Wyszogrod, and 164 cm at Kępa Polska. All readings remain significantly below warning and alarm thresholds for the area.
Long-Term Drought and Evaporation Effects
Industry publications and media attribute the record lows to a prolonged rainfall deficit, high temperatures, and intense evaporation. In recent weeks, the Institute has reported multi-year minima or levels below historical averages at numerous stations in the Vistula basin and its tributaries.
Source: MiejskiReporter, – Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), – Industry publications and media
