March 1st marks the start of meteorological spring, which this year brought extreme thermal anomalies. On the last Saturday of February, Darłowo recorded 20 degrees Celsius, triggering a massive tourist influx to the Baltic coast and cities. Simultaneously, a rapid thaw forced emergency services to monitor swollen rivers, particularly in northern Poland, where warnings are in effect for dangerous water level rises.
Temperature record in Darłowo
Thermometers in the seaside resort showed 20 degrees Celsius on the last weekend of February, triggering a massive influx of tourists to the beaches.
IMGW hydrological alerts
Warnings for snowmelt and river floods are in effect in nine voivodeships; the most difficult situation is in Warmia and Masuria.
Icebreaker operation on the Vistula
Seven units are operating on the Włocławek Reservoir to prevent ice jams and facilitate the flow of meltwater to the Baltic Sea.
Ski season in retreat
Snow is decreasing in the Tatra Mountains and Kashubia, but most slopes remain open thanks to earlier snowmaking.
The beginning of March 2026 has been recorded in meteorological history as an exceptionally warm period, characterized by temperatures typical of late spring, and locally even summer. The highest value was recorded in Darłowo, where thermometers showed 20 degrees Celsius, which became an impulse for thousands of Poles to inaugurate the walking and cycling season. The Baltic beaches in Stegna and Darłowo, the Bagry reservoir in Kraków, and parks in Poznań, Łódź, and Wrocław were besieged. Experts indicate that such high temperatures in February and early March are the result of a specific pressure system that brought tropical air masses over Poland. Meteorological spring thus began in an aura of full sunshine, albeit with a clear warning signal from hydrologists. For decades, Poland has been experiencing a climate warming trend, manifested in earlier and more sudden thaws that are replacing the former, gradual transition from winter to early spring.The sudden temperature rise became a catalyst for intense snowmelt, which most severely affected the northern part of the country. In the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, the fire service intervened dozens of times, mainly to pump water out of flooded basements and properties. Services paid particular attention to the situation on the Wkra River, where the State Fire Service (PSP) and Volunteer Fire Service (OSP) are monitoring water levels and appealing for maintaining distance from riverbeds. On the Włocławek Reservoir, seven icebreakers have been deployed, tasked with breaking up the ice cover to prevent the formation of jams that could threaten flood safety. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) maintained yellow alerts in nine voivodeships, indicating a risk of floods exceeding warning levels. 20 stopni — Celsius recorded in Darłowo at the end of FebruaryCompletely different moods prevail in mountain regions and in Kashubia, where, despite positive temperatures, ski infrastructure is still operational. In the Tatra and Beskid Mountains, the snow cover, although melting, still allows for winter sports. Resorts in Kashubia declare readiness to welcome skiers even until Easter, which stands in stark contrast to the summer-like weather on the coast. However, forecasters temper the enthusiasm, announcing the arrival of the Doreen atmospheric front, which will bring increased cloudiness and rainfall, putting an end to the record heatwave but not restoring lasting winter in the lowland part of the country.
Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the joyful aspect of the spring weather, publishing numerous photo galleries of smiling citizens on beaches and in city parks. Conservative media place greater emphasis on the work of emergency services, hydrological safety, and the difficult situation of farmers related to the rapid thaw.