Poland Braces for Extreme Heat as IMGW Issues Weather Alerts

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) warns of a significant surge in temperatures across Poland, with orange-level heat alerts expected to cover most of the country this weekend.

Meteorological Conditions and Current Outlook

According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Northern and Eastern Europe are currently under the influence of low-pressure systems from Scandinavia and Iceland, while the southern and central regions remain in a high-pressure area. A wedge of a weak high-pressure system from France is gradually moving into Poland from the southwest, bringing warmer polar maritime air.

Wednesday (June 17) will see small to moderate cloud cover, increasing to heavy in the northeast and south with local rain and potential storms. Temperatures will range from 16°C by the sea to 24°C in the south and west.

Forecast for Thursday and Night Conditions

On Thursday, cloud cover is expected to increase across the country, particularly in the west, center, and north, where light, sporadic rain may occur. Daytime temperatures will reach between 17°C by the coast and 27°C in western regions.

Nighttime temperatures will vary from 8°C in the northeast to 15°C in the southwest, with localized fog reducing visibility to 400 meters in the south. Light rain is possible in the northern half of the country.

Extreme Heatwave Expected This Weekend

Starting Friday (June 19), an influx of tropical air masses will trigger extreme heat. IMGW plans to issue second-degree, orange alerts for western regions, including the areas around Szczecin, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poznań, Zielona Góra, Legnica, and Wrocław.

The heat will peak on Saturday (June 20), with alerts covering nearly the entire country. The Lubusz region could see temperatures as high as 35°C, while Lower Silesia is expected to reach 33°C, and Warsaw is forecasted at 28-29°C.

By Sunday (June 21), the highest temperatures will shift to the southeast. Podkarpacie will experience the most intense heat, with Rzeszów reaching 31°C. While temperatures will slightly decrease in the west, the heat will persist, maintaining 30°C in Wrocław and Zielona Góra.