Violent Storms Head for Poland with Winds Reaching 110 km/h

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued widespread weather alerts as a frontal system brings heavy rain, hail, and extreme wind gusts of up to 110 km/h across Poland.

Meteorological Situation

According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Europe is dominated by an Atlantic high-pressure system, while Poland remains within a shallow low-pressure trough. A wavy frontal system is gradually moving from the west, separating cooler polar maritime air in the west and northwest from hot tropical air over the rest of the country.

On Wednesday, the east, south, and central regions face the highest risk of storms, with local precipitation totals between 20 mm and 40 mm, or even 50 mm. Temperatures will range from 18°C near the coast to 37°C in the southeast, with wind gusts potentially reaching 110 km/h during storms.

Forecast Through Thursday

Nighttime will bring continued rainfall and storms in the east and south, with precipitation up to 40 mm and wind gusts decreasing from 110 km/h to 80 km/h. Minimum temperatures will hover between 11°C in the west and 21°C in the southeast.

On Thursday, conditions will stabilize, with small to moderate cloud cover and scattered rain. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 21°C and 26°C, though cooler conditions will persist in the mountains and along the coast, with wind gusts during storms reaching 60 km/h.

National Alerts and Impact

IMGW has issued first and second-degree weather warnings for almost the entire country, excluding the West Pomeranian and Pomeranian regions. Simultaneously, heat warnings are in effect for the central, southern, and eastern parts of Poland, with the highest third-degree alert level issued for the Podkarpackie and parts of the Lubelskie provinces.

Recent storms have already caused significant damage, particularly in the Greater Poland region. Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, firefighters intervened nearly 100 times, primarily in the Leszno and Kościan districts, where strong winds damaged building roofs. Similar damage occurred in the Lubuskie province, prompting local officials to urge residents to exercise extreme caution and report hazardous conditions.