Poland's heatwave gives way to weekend cooldown as Baltic gales and thunderstorms move in
After a week of scorching temperatures, Poland faces a sharp weather reversal this weekend (3–5 July), with heavy showers, local thunderstorms and strong winds prompting wind alerts along the Baltic coast.
Heatwave recedes as Arctic air arrives
Recent scorching temperatures have been swept away by a Scandinavian low-pressure system, which is driving cool, moist air across Poland. According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), the country will see moderate to heavy cloud cover, scattered showers and a noticeable temperature drop over the next three days. Maximums will range from 19°C on the coast and in Podhale to 26°C in the south-east on Friday, with most areas seeing 20–24°C. Nights will be chilly, dipping to 8–9°C in southern regions.
Over the weekend we expect strong and gusty winds coming from the northern part of Europe. Storms on the Baltic are possible.
Wind warnings and coastal dangers
IMGW has issued second-degree wind alerts for coastal counties in Pomerania and West Pomerania, including Kołobrzeg, Koszalin, Słupsk and Puck. Winds are forecast to average up to 55 km/h, with gusts reaching 90 km/h, particularly over the sea. First-degree alerts for slightly weaker gusts (up to 75 km/h) cover a wider swath of northern Poland, and separate thunderstorm warnings are in place for Friday between 8:00 and 15:00. The worst conditions are expected along the Baltic shoreline, where heavy rain, hail and powerful waves will make outdoor activities hazardous.
Thunderstorms with hail are also possible.
Day-by-day outlook
- Friday: Clouds, showers, coastal thunderstorms. Highs 19-26°C. Wind gusts to 90 km/h, alert level 2 for Baltic coast.
- Saturday: Variable cloud, showers in north/centre/east. Highs 17-23°C. Wind gusts up to 65 km/h over sea, 85 km/h in mountains.
- Sunday: Heavy cloud nationwide, showers, isolated eastern thunderstorms. Highs 18-23°C. Gusty winds continuing.
Friday, 3 July, Moderate to heavy cloud cover across the country. Scattered showers are most likely in the north and south, with thunderstorms and hail possible on the coast and in Warmia. Highest temperatures between 19°C (coast, Podhale) and 26°C (south-east). Strong winds, gusting up to 90 km/h by the sea and 100 km/h in the Karkonosze mountains.
Saturday, 4 July, Variable cloud with clearer skies in the south-west. Showers will affect northern, central and eastern regions, with local thunderstorms in the north-east. Highs from 17°C in the north-east to 23°C in the south-west. Winds remain fresh, reaching 65 km/h on the coast and 85 km/h in the mountains.
Sunday, 5 July, Heavy cloud returns, with more showers nationwide and isolated thunderstorms likely in the east. Maximums between 18°C and 23°C, warmest in the south-west. Wind eases slightly but remains gusty.
We expect a new warming spell next weekend.
Outlook for the coming week
The unsettled pattern is expected to persist into the early part of next week, with temperatures staying below 25°C and frequent showers, according to IMGW forecasts. The next chance of a return to summer heat may not materialise until the following weekend.
