Severe Storms and Flash Floods: Red Alert Issued for Parts of Poland

Poland’s Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued urgent weather warnings across the country, with a red alert in effect for Lower Silesia due to extreme rainfall and flooding risks.

Storm Warnings and Red Alert Status

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued first-degree storm alerts for ten provinces, including Lubuskie, Greater Poland, Łódź, and southern Subcarpathia, valid through Tuesday night. These areas face moderate to heavy rainfall of 20 mm to 35 mm, wind gusts up to 70 km/h, and hail.

Second-degree warnings were issued for Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, Lesser Poland, and parts of the Lubuskie and Świętokrzyskie provinces. By Tuesday afternoon, the alert level for the western part of Lower Silesia was elevated to the highest, third-degree red alert due to ongoing violent storms.

Flash Floods and Government Alerts

The western Lower Silesia region is experiencing rainfall between 35 mm and 55 mm, with isolated spots reaching 80 liters per square meter. This poses a significant threat of localized flooding in urban areas, accompanied by hail and 70 km/h winds.

The Government Security Centre (RCB) has sent emergency alerts to residents in Lower Silesia, Silesia, Lesser Poland, Opole, and parts of the Greater Poland, Lubuskie, Świętokrzyskie, and Łódź provinces. Officials advise the public to avoid open spaces and prepare for potential power outages.

Meteorological Outlook for Tuesday Night

IMGW synoptician Przemysław Makarewicz warns that the night from Tuesday to Wednesday will be highly dangerous, particularly in the south, where intense rainfall and storms are expected. While the north remains cooler, the center and south will see warmer temperatures, though accompanied by persistent, hazardous weather conditions.

Northern regions may experience dense fog by morning, limiting visibility to 200 meters. Throughout the center, south, and east, intermittent rain is expected to continue alongside the most severe storm activity.

Weather Forecast for Wednesday

Stormy weather will persist on Wednesday, with the most stable conditions expected in the north and northwest. The southern part of Poland remains at the highest risk, with projected rainfall totals of 50 mm and potential peaks of 70–80 mm.

Temperature highs will range from 20 degrees Celsius at the coast to 28 degrees Celsius elsewhere. The night from Wednesday to Thursday will see lingering rain and storms, with further risks of dense fog in southern Poland.