The final days of February are bringing a sharp temperature rise across Europe, heralding the arrival of meteorological spring. Forecasters predict record-breaking results, locally exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. An influx of warm air masses from the south has changed the weather pattern in Poland, Germany, France, and Italy, although doctors warn of the effects of sudden pressure changes on weather-sensitive individuals.
Record Heat in Europe
Temperatures in Poland and Germany are reaching thresholds typical for May, locally exceeding 20-23 degrees Celsius.
Influx of Air from the South
The sudden warming is due to the circulation of air masses from North Africa.
Warnings for Meteoropathy Sufferers
Sudden temperature and pressure spikes can negatively impact health and well-being.
The turn of February and March 2026 will go down in meteorological history as a period of exceptionally high temperatures. African air has moved over Europe, causing a sudden spike in the mercury, unseen at this time of year for many decades. In southwestern Poland, thermometers are expected to show even 18-20 degrees Celsius, leading experts to describe the situation as an „explosion of warmth”. Meteorologists emphasize that March 1 marks the beginning of meteorological spring, and this year's start of the season will be exceptionally sunny. The situation is not limited to Poland. In southwestern Germany, a peak of 23 degrees Celsius is forecast, which will likely break existing regional records. Similar conditions prevail in Switzerland and Italy, where high pressure ensures sunny skies, interrupted only by local precipitation in the northwest of the country. French weather services, in turn, forecast a weekend full of sunny spells, albeit with slightly lower temperatures than in the continent's central belt. February in Central Europe is statistically one of the coldest months; however, climate change means periods of so-called „false spring” are occurring more frequently and are more intense than in the last century. Despite optimistic forecasts for the weekend, doctors and specialists in meteoropathy urge caution. A sudden temperature increase of several degrees in a short time can negatively affect well-being. Additionally, media speculation has emerged about a return of frosts in March, referred to as „winter's final boss”. Although tropical air masses currently dominate, forecasters do not rule out that March may still bring winter incidents. „Będzie pogodnie i ciepło. Do 18 st. C na południowym zachodzie kraju” (It will be sunny and warm. Up to 18°C in the country's southwest) — IMGW Forecaster
Perspektywy mediów: Media emphasize the impact of climate warming on record-high February temperatures. Some editorial teams focus on the positive aspects of the weather, avoiding linking the records to global climate change.