Poland is grappling with a wave of frosty winter weather caused by the high-pressure system Gerd. In many regions of the country, temperatures have dropped below minus 15 degrees Celsius, and the night from Friday to Saturday is expected to be the peak of the cooling. Although currently 80 percent of the country's territory is covered with snow, forecasters are already predicting an upcoming thaw that will end the reign of Arctic air and bring the first signs of meteorological spring.

Extreme frosts across the country

Temperatures are dropping to -15 degrees in the center, and forecasts predict a drop to -17 degrees in southeastern Poland.

Dominance of snow cover

Currently, as much as 80% of Poland's territory is covered with snow, and in northern and mountainous regions, precipitation of around 10 cm is expected.

A sudden thaw is approaching

Forecasters indicate a specific date for the cessation of frosts; the beginning of next week will bring positive temperatures and snowmelt.

Poland is currently under the influence of the high-pressure system Gerd, which has brought Arctic air masses over the country. The most difficult situation is in the central and southeastern parts of the country. In Łódź, temperatures have already been recorded at -15 degrees Celsius, while forecasts for the night from Friday to Saturday indicate that in the southeast, thermometers may show even -17 degrees. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued first-degree warnings for severe frost for many voivodeships. Currently, 80% of Poland's area is covered by a layer of snow, which is making road conditions difficult, especially in Pomerania and the Carpathians, where the snow cover may increase by another 10 cm. February in the Polish climate is traditionally considered one of the coldest months, statistically beating December in terms of the lowest recorded minimum temperatures in measurement history.Despite the severe cold, forecasters point to an approaching change in air circulation. Although Thursday and Friday will be marked by sub-zero temperatures – in Białystok and Olsztyn, even during the day, the mercury will not exceed -3 degrees – a significant thaw is expected from next week. The process of snow cover disappearance is set to begin by the end of the decade, and daytime temperatures will start systematically exceeding zero degrees across the country. Meanwhile, in Great Britain, the weather has taken a different, equally dangerous turn – after heavy rains, southern England is struggling with extensive flooding and inundations. The phenomenon of severe frosts with the influx of air masses from the east and north is a key element of the so-called 'Beast from the East', which periodically hits Central Europe, paralyzing transport and municipal services.Forecast Minimum Temperatures in Selected Cities: 2026-02-19T06:00: -11.3, 2026-02-19T22:00: -15.0, 2026-02-21T02:00: -17.080% — of Poland's territory is under snow

Mentioned People

  • Jakub Wojciechowski — Author of the weather report regarding the high-pressure system Gerd.