Arrival of Meteorological Spring: Temperatures up to 14 Degrees and Hydrological Threat

The beginning of March 2026 brought a sudden turn in the weather, initiating a period that meteorologists refer to as meteorological spring. After winter chills, warmer air masses flowed into Poland, resulting in temperatures rarely seen at this time of year. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management predicts that in the near future thermometers will show even 13-14 degrees Celsius, which prompted residents of many cities, including Szczecin and Łódź, to massively visit parks and recreational areas. Rising temperatures and receding snow cover herald the imminent awakening of nature, although mass blooming of crocuses in mountain regions will still have to wait. Despite optimistic daytime forecasts, nights will remain cool, and locally frost may occur, which is a typical phenomenon for the transitional period. Meteorological spring in Poland traditionally begins on March 1 and covers three full calendar months, allowing scientists to more easily compare statistical data in annual cycles.However, the weather situation has its dark side, mainly related to hydrology. Rapid warming and melting of snow and ice cover have led to river swelling, particularly in the Oder and Vistula river basins. Near Wrocław and in the Masovian Voivodeship, hydrological alerts have been announced due to high water levels. Particularly concerning information comes from the Wkra River, where a three-hundred-meter ice jam was observed, which, as it moves, may cause local flooding. Services are monitoring flood embankments, indicating that the situation remains dynamic and requires constant vigilance from residents of flood-prone areas. 14 st. C — may be the maximum temperature in the coming daysAlongside the warming, forecasters have issued numerous warnings about dense fog, which is expected to envelop Masovia, Greater Poland, and Lower Silesia. Visibility in many places may drop below 200 meters, causing serious disruptions to road and air transport. This phenomenon is the result of high soil moisture and the inflow of warm air over the cooled ground surface. Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, including Italy and France, the influence of a strong anticyclone persists, although forecasts there indicate greater cloud cover in northern regions. Despite the spring weather, winter swimming enthusiasts remain active in Poland, taking advantage of the low water temperatures in lakes to continue their season of winter baths. „W nadchodzących dniach temperatura może wynieść do 14 st. C” (In the coming days, temperatures may reach up to 14 degrees C) — IMGW