Polish weather shifts abruptly: the Institute of Meteorology foresees a sudden cooling, rain, snow and strong winds across southern and central regions by late October.
October’s Cooling Begins
The final week of October will start with a cooling period. After temperatures drop to a few dozen Celsius degrees in southern Poland on Saturday, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) predicts that Monday, 27 October, the Podhale region and parts of Podlasie will be at 0 °C. Cloud cover will be moderate to large. Occasional brief showers are expected, mainly in the afternoon and evening, especially along the coast. In high mountains, rainfall with snow and snow will fall. Winds are moderate but can reach 80 km/h gusts. Snow is also expected on Tuesday.
Snow Forecast in the Mountains
Forecasters predict strong winds in the mountains before snow begins. Combined with rainfall and sleet, blizzards and windstorms may occur. Trail visibility will be very limited from Friday, 24 October, and the felt temperature will drop below 0 °C. Snow is expected at about 800 m above sea level; above 1500 m, the snow cover could reach up to 15 cm. A southerly wind from the Alps will bring low‑pressure weather over Poland, and snow showers might produce up to half a meter of snow.
Hydrological Warning Issued
On Thursday, 23 October after 14:30, IMGW issued its latest hydrological warning. Experts predict rapid rises in water levels in the Ropa catchment and the Klimkówka reservoir in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. This is a first‑degree lowest alert. For the southern regions of Lesser Poland, Silesia and Lower Silesia, IMGW also issued first‑degree meteorological warnings, concerning strong winds and intense rainfall.
