Polish Meteorological Institute warns of freezing rain and ice‑fogg in 11 regions from Monday, urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution.
IMGW Issues First‑Degree Warning for Freezing Precipitation
The Institute Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued a first‑degree warning for freezing rain across eleven voivodeships. The warning warns of a potential icy layer forming on roads and pavements, especially outside major cities.
Regions Covered by the Warning
Warning areas include Lower Silesian, Opole, Łódź, Masovian, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie, Lublin, and the northern part of Małopolskie. Large parts of Greater Poland, Silesian (excluding southern outskirts), and the southern and eastern portions of Kuyavian‑Pomeranian are also affected.
Timing and Probability
Freezing precipitation warnings will commence Monday, 24 November at 18:00 and remain in force until Tuesday, 25 November at 10:00. The chance of freezing showers and subsequent black ice is estimated at 70 percent. A second‑degree wind and blizzard warning also applies to southern Małopolskie and Podkarpackie until 16:00 on Tuesday.
Road Safety Implications
A thin, invisible ice film can rapidly reduce road traction, increasing the risk of vehicle skids and loss of control during braking and maneuvering. The hazard is particularly acute on local roads, bridges, viaducts, and low‑lying stretches where surfaces cool quickly.
Impact on Pedestrians and Urban Areas
The icy layer also endangers pedestrians walking on pavements and roadside edges. In larger cities, slightly warmer temperatures usually limit the extent of ice, but the surrounding rural areas are at higher risk of severe surface slickness and traffic disruptions.
