Poland faces severe weather on Friday, May 15, as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issues first-degree warnings for rainfall, strong wind gusts, and potential supercell formation.
Warnings and Forecasted Hazards
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) reported that a low-pressure system moving from southern Europe will bring rain and storms to Poland on Friday, May 15. Synoptics describe the conditions as quite intense in some areas.
First-degree warnings have been issued across parts of several provinces. Meteorologists forecast storms accompanied by heavy rainfall ranging from 20 mm to 30 mm, wind gusts up to 70 km/h, and localized bursts of approximately 85 km/h. Isolated hail is also possible.
As noted by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), first-degree warnings indicate the potential for dangerous meteorological phenomena that could result in significant material damage and pose risks to health and life.
Government Safety Alerts
The Government Security Centre (RCB) issued an alert for residents in the Lesser Poland (Małopolskie) province. Authorities advised people to avoid open spaces, refrain from parking under trees, and prepare for potential power outages.
Storm Path and Timing
According to IMGW, the storm front will track from the Silesian and Lesser Poland provinces toward the Łódź, Masovian, and Kuyavian-Pomeranian regions, later moving toward the Lublin and Subcarpathian areas.
Discharges are expected to begin around noon, with significant convective development and lightning activity anticipated between 12:00 and 14:00. IMGW stated on the X platform that supercells are possible in the southern part of the country by the evening.
The storms are expected to persist longest in the Subcarpathian and Lublin regions, with activity predicted to dissipate before midnight.