Record Warmth Approaches as Wrocław Grapples with Major Heating Network Failure

Poland stands on the threshold of meteorological spring, which this year is manifesting with exceptionally rapid warming. Forecasters predict the coming weekend will bring temperatures rarely seen in February, exceeding 18 and even 20 degrees Celsius in places, particularly in the southwestern regions of the country. Such a sudden change in weather elicits mixed reactions: from the enthusiasm of residents planning outdoor activities to warnings from doctors directed at meteopaths. Experts indicate that such high readings could become record-breaking for this time of year in Polish climate statistics. The weather situation is complicated, however, by an infrastructure crisis in the capital of Lower Silesia. Wrocław is grappling with an extensive heating network failure. As reported by local media, a significant part of the city has been cut off from heating and hot running water. Technical services, including MPWiK, are working to fix the fault at the intersection of Kamienna and Ślężna streets, which is also forcing significant changes to road traffic and public transport organization. This failure is particularly severe because, despite the daytime warmth, nights remain cool, affecting the thermal comfort of thousands of residents in their homes. February in Poland has historically been the most unpredictable month; it was in February 1929 that the national cold record of -41 degrees Celsius was recorded in Siedlce, which contrasts with current warming trends.The rise in temperatures is becoming a catalyst for the agricultural and infrastructure sectors. Farmers are analyzing the condition of winter crops, which after a snowy winter in regions like Świętokrzyskie have good conditions for vegetation, although thaws in places are causing water stagnation threatening crops. Simultaneously, cities like Lublin, Łódź, and Poznań are accelerating schedules for road repairs and bus bay renovations, taking advantage of the favorable weather window. Icebreakers are still working on the Vistula River, breaking up the remaining ice cover to prevent dangerous blockages during the flow of meltwater from the south of the country. „Będzie pogodnie i ciepło. Do 18 st. C na południowym zachodzie kraju” (It will be sunny and warm. Up to 18°C in the southwestern part of the country) — IMGW Forecaster From a long-term perspective, the first analyses are emerging suggesting that the summer of 2026 could be equally extreme in terms of temperatures. Although some media warn of a return of winter weather in March, calling it the "final boss" of winter, current weather models focus on the progressing dominance of warm air masses. In coastal cities like Gdynia and Koszalin, the warming has, in turn, exposed post-winter neglect in the condition of sidewalks and street cleanliness, becoming a source of disputes between residents and local governments over the timing of spring cleanups.

Perspektywy mediów: Media emphasize the necessity for swift municipal investments and response to failures, pointing out delays in post-winter cleanup. Optimistic forecasts for agriculture and chances for a successful tourist season due to the early spring weather are highlighted.