The end of February brings a spectacular change in weather patterns in Poland and Germany. After a month full of weather extremes, a mass of exceptionally warm, tropical air is flowing over the continent. Forecasters predict a sunny weekend with temperatures locally reaching 18 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, German meteorologists are summarizing the passing winter as unusually mild, though in some regions the snowiest in over a decade.
Extreme Warming This Weekend
Temperatures in Poland and Germany will rise locally to 18 degrees Celsius under the influence of warm air masses.
Mild Winter in Germany
The German Meteorological Service summarizes the winter as milder, drier, and sunnier than average.
Record Snowfall
Despite the overall warming, northern Germany recorded the snowiest winter in 14 years.
The turn of February and March 2026 will be recorded in meteorological chronicles as a time of an extremely abrupt transition from winter chills to almost summer temperatures. According to forecasts from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, the upcoming weekend in Poland will be dominated by a high-pressure system, ensuring cloudless skies and high thermometer readings. The warmest temperatures are expected in the southwest of the country, where temperatures could rise to 18 degrees Celsius. Experts describe this situation as a "heat explosion," which, however, comes with certain inconveniences, such as strong pressure fluctuations affecting biometeorological well-being. Additionally, the first long-term analyses for the upcoming summer are already appearing, suggesting the continuation of the above-average temperature trend. The phenomenon of sudden warming at the end of February, known in meteorology as early spring, is occurring in Poland increasingly frequently and violently, which scientists link to progressing climate changes in Central Europe.The situation in Germany is similar, though their meteorological service (DWD) is currently focused on closing the books on the passing winter. This season in many federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia or Thuringia, brought numerous weather extremes, including sudden snowstorms and temperature drops below -15 degrees Celsius, which led to transport paralysis. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, this was the snowiest winter since 2012, despite the overall precipitation balance in other parts of the country indicating a worrying moisture deficit. Brandenburg, in turn, has been declared the coldest region of Germany this winter, showing the large regional variability of weather within a single country. 18 st. C — will be the maximum temperature this weekendBoth Polish and German analysts are drawing attention to the phenomenon of winter drought. Although February brought point snowfall, the lack of regular rains in Saxony or Thuringia could negatively impact plant vegetation in the upcoming agricultural season. Farmers are observing with concern the rapid drying of the topsoil layer while vegetation is simultaneously stimulated by high temperatures. This situation creates a risk for crops in the event of late spring frosts, which after such strong warming are statistically very likely. However, the current weather favors outdoor activity, which after a long period of sunshine deficiency is enthusiastically welcomed by residents of both countries.