Starting Friday, the Polish Institute of Meteorology forecast widespread heavy snow and temperatures as low as –11 °C across southern Poland, while the Tatra Mountains issued an avalanche alert and roads were hit by snow and sleet.
Snowfall Across Poland
The Polish Institute of Meteorology and Hydrological Service said Thursday and Friday’s snow fell several centimeters across Lesser Poland and the Podkarpacie. Friday’s precipitation began the “winter conditions” phase. On Saturday, November 22, the service issued first‑ and second‑degree alerts for heavy snow in southern Podkarpacie and Gorlice County. Up to 10 cm of snow is expected during the day, with the possibility of pre‑snow alerts for the same regions. Overnight temperatures could drop to –1 °C to –7 °C, with the mountains reaching about –8 °C. The forecast also warned that low‑level, two‑digit frosts of up to –11 °C could appear.
Avalanche Alert in the Tatra Mountains
Due to the heavy snowfall, the Tatra Organization for Recreation and Tourism (TOPR) issued a second‑degree avalanche risk alert (moderate danger) in the Tatras. The main hazard will be wind‑blown snow forming “scabbed” layers above 1,700 m, especially on the leeward side but also in windward areas near the peaks. The snowfall is not bound to the ground, increasing danger. The mountains were under difficult conditions, with strong winds. The forecast predicts more snow, and a ban on movement from dusk to dawn remains in effect.
Road Conditions in Southern Poland
On Friday, November 21, the hardest weather hit southern Poland. The General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways warned drivers of snow and sleet, and localized slick patches. Snow fell in the voivodeships of Pomerania, Silesia, Warmia and Masuria, West Pomerania and Lubusz. During the last 24 hours, 445 snow‑plough units worked on national roads.
