The first day of March 2026 brought Europe a noticeable warming and weather stabilization, though regional variation remains visible. While Poland grapples with cloud cover in the capital and north, the southern part of the continent enjoys temperatures reaching 19 degrees Celsius. At the same time, public attention shifts towards upcoming calendar changes, including an earlier Easter and the March switch to daylight saving time.
Spring warming in Europe
Italy records 19 degrees Celsius, and Poland expects a sunny Monday after a cloudy Sunday.
Early Easter and time change
The 2026 holidays will take place two weeks earlier, affecting Poles' vacation plans.
Trading restrictions on March 1st
The first Sunday in March is a non-trading day, limiting the availability of most retail outlets.
Extreme heat in Bangkok
Thai authorities activate cooling centers for residents in the face of record temperatures.
The beginning of March 2026 in Central and Southern Europe is characterized by the dominance of stable high-pressure systems, which have brought masses of polar-maritime air over the continent. In Poland, Sunday, March 1st, was marked by heavy cloud cover in most regions, from Kraków and Warsaw to Szczecin and Białystok. Despite the lack of sun in the center of the country, meteorologists forecast a rapid improvement in conditions. Already Monday, March 2nd, is expected to bring significant clearing and rising temperatures to the Łódź Voivodeship and central Poland, heralding the arrival of thermal spring. At the same time, residents of Italy are experiencing the peak of mild weather, where thermometers show up to 19 degrees Celsius thanks to a strong anticyclone operating over the Apennine Peninsula. Meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere traditionally begins on March 1st, which differs from astronomical spring determined by the moment of the equinox, usually occurring around March 20-21. Parallel to weather information, the media place strong emphasis on organizational and calendar issues. Poland faces a logistical challenge related to trading Sundays, as shops remained closed on March 1st, forcing consumers to plan their shopping in advance. Analyses indicate that 2026 will be special in terms of holiday dates. Easter will fall two weeks earlier than last year, which already determines the planning of longer vacations. An additional factor affecting the daily rhythm will be the switch to daylight saving time, which this year will also occur relatively early. On a global scale, extreme phenomena have been noted in Thailand, where Bangkok was forced to open cooling centers due to a heatwave, starkly contrasting with the moderate climate currently prevailing in Europe. „Taki będzie początek lata 2026 w Polsce. IMGW podaje prognozy” (This will be the beginning of summer 2026 in Poland. IMGW provides forecasts) — Institute of Meteorology and Water Management The French Atlantic coast, from Bordeaux to Bayonne, reports stable, though changeable, weather conducive to outdoor recreation. Simultaneously, Polish gardeners have received the first guidelines for plant care, warning against mowing grass too early, which could weaken root systems after winter. The long-term perspective suggests that March 2026 may go down as one of the warmest in the last decade, raising questions about the further course of plant vegetation and potential anomalies in the following spring months.
Perspektywy mediów: Focuses on the lack of retail availability on Sunday and inconveniences for consumers. Highlights the positive impact of early spring on well-being and savings on home heating.