The beginning of March 2026 brings a sudden change in weather in Poland. A wave of tropical air is approaching the country, which will raise temperatures locally up to 20 degrees Celsius. Although this heralds spring, forecasters warn of dangerous phenomena: massive thaws leading to river surges and approaching Saharan dust from Africa. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued numerous highest-level hydrological alerts for many regions of the country.
Extreme warming in March
Temperatures in Poland may reach 20 degrees Celsius due to the influx of tropical air masses from the south.
Flood alerts across the country
Rapid thaws caused river surges; IMGW issued highest-level warnings for many regions.
Saharan dust over Poland
The Saharan dust phenomenon will bring sky haze and possible dirty rainfall, affecting the health of allergy sufferers.
Threat to agriculture
Flooded fields in the Vistula Fens and Mazovia threaten rapeseed crops and winter sowings due to standing water.
The first days of March 2026 are marked by an unprecedented clash of air masses over Eastern Europe. The high-pressure system Iackl dominating over Poland brought temporary calm and foggy mornings, but it is giving way to a dynamic influx of tropical masses. Meteorologists forecast that in the coming days, thermometers in the southern and western parts of the country will show up to 20 degrees Celsius. Such a rapid temperature jump, combined with earlier precipitation, led to massive melting of the snow cover in the mountains and frozen slopes, resulting in a critical hydrological situation. IMGW-PIB maintains numerous second and third-degree warnings against surges with exceeding alarm levels. The most difficult situation is in Lower Silesia, Mazovia, and the Vistula Fens, where local farmers are alarming about flooded rapeseed sowings, which could lead to irreversible losses in this year's harvest. Historically, March in Poland is the most unpredictable month, as reflected in the folk saying 'March is like a pot.' Great thaw floods, like the one in 1979, showed that sudden warming after a frosty winter poses a greater threat than summer downpours.Parallel to the flood threat, Poland is preparing for a phenomenon rarely seen on this scale in early March – the influx of Saharan dust. This phenomenon, carried by strong atmospheric currents, will reach Central Europe, causing characteristic sky haze and a yellowish tint of sunlight. In case of rainfall, we can expect so-called 'blood rains,' meaning precipitation contaminated with sand particles from Africa. Doctors warn that high dust concentration in the air can negatively affect the well-being of people with respiratory diseases and allergy sufferers. Saharan dust not only dirts car bodies but also affects photosynthesis processes, settling on vegetation awakening to life. Despite the threats, in cities like Szczecin or Łódź, residents enthusiastically welcome the first blooming crocuses and magnolias, enjoying the unusually warm aura that more resembles the turn of April and May. „Prognozujemy napływ bardzo ciepłego powietrza zwrotnikowego, które przyniesie temperaturę do 20 stopni, ale i pył znad Sahary” (We forecast an influx of very warm tropical air, which will bring temperatures up to 20 degrees, but also dust from the Sahara.) — IMGW ForecasterThe situation in Poland sharply contrasts with events in the depths of Russia, where in Siberia, extreme temperature drops to minus 40 degrees Celsius were recorded. However, this powerful cold center remains blocked by baric systems over Central Europe, allowing spring conditions to persist in our region. Nevertheless, long-term meteorological forecasts mandate vigilance – meteorologists do not rule out that after the wave of almost summer heat, in the second half of March, night frosts and even fleeting snowfalls may return. Temperature amplitude between day and night remains high, which requires drivers' special attention due to dense fogs settling after sunset, especially in the Silesian and Lesser Poland voivodeships.