The Vistula River in Warsaw has hit a record low of 11 cm at the Bulwars station, matching the lowest level since measurements began in 2025. Ferry services remain suspended indefinitely.
Historical Low Water Levels
On the morning of August 22, the Vistula River at the Warsaw-Bulwars station once again reached 11 cm, tying this year’s and historical minimum for the gauge. Data from IMGW confirms the reading at 3:50 AM, showing 11 cm at “Warszawa-Bulwary.” This matches the first recorded low of 8 July 2025 at the same location. In previous years, the river’s lowest levels in Warsaw were higher: 20–26 cm in September 2024 and 26 cm in 2015. This year has thus established a new absolute minimum at the Bulwars station. Media reports indicate that the 11 cm reading from early July marked the lowest level in the station’s measurement history; the average level there is estimated at around 230 cm.
IMGW Forecast
Daily hydrological bulletins from IMGW classify the Warsaw section of the Vistula River as being in a low-water zone, predicting further minor declines. Readings for “Warszawa-Bulwary” were forecast to reach 10 cm on 21–22 August and even 8 cm in subsequent days. This situation is attributed to the ongoing hydrological drought and sustained rainfall deficit.
Impacts on the City
Due to the critically low water levels, city ferries crossing the Vistula have been suspended indefinitely. This affects routes: Cypel Czerniakowski–Sask Kępa (Słonka), Poniatowskiego Bridge–National Stadium (Pliszka), and Podzamcze Fontanny–Zoo (Wilga). The Warsaw Public Transport Authority confirmed the suspension of these crossings.
Conditions at Other Gauging Stations in the Region
IMGW also notes very low water levels at other stations in the Masovian region. On Friday morning, the Vistula measured 11 cm at Gusinie, 207 cm at Modlin, 234 cm at Wyszogrod, and 164 cm at Kępa Polska. All these levels are significantly below the warning and alarm thresholds established for the area.
Causes and Broader Trends
IMGW and industry media attribute the record low levels to prolonged rainfall shortages, high temperatures, and intense evaporation. In recent weeks, the institute reported multi-year minima or levels below historical averages at many stations in the Vistula basin and its tributaries.
Source: MiejskiReporter, IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) and industry media
