Poland is experiencing a sudden surge of spring-like warmth in late February, resulting in forecasted record temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius. While southern and western regions enjoy clear skies, the rapid temperature rise has triggered a series of meteorological and hydrological warnings. Services are monitoring river water levels, and icebreakers are working on the Vistula River to prevent dangerous ice jams and flooding during massive snowmelt.

Record Heat in February

Forecasters predict temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius, which could constitute a record result for late February in Poland.

Flood Threat

Yellow hydrological alerts have been issued due to mass thaws and the risk of ice jams forming on rivers.

Road Repair Operation

In cities such as Lublin and Łódź, intensive works have started to repair potholes in roadways caused by winter.

Drought Concerns

Despite abundant snowfall, experts warn that rapid thaws may not prevent a summer hydrological drought.

The final days of February 2026 have brought unprecedented weather phenomena to Poland, characterized by a huge thermal and weather contrast between regions. While residents of Bydgoszcz, Toruń, and Wrocław enjoy almost summer-like weather under cloudless skies, the northern and central parts of the country, including Sopot, Szczecin, and Warsaw, remain under a thick layer of clouds. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management announces that the upcoming weekend may bring temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius. Although this is an exceptionally high value, the heat record for February in Poland remains unchallenged and stands at 22.1 degrees Celsius, recorded in 2021. The rapid temperature rise, however, carries serious hydrological threats. Yellow alerts for thaws are in effect, and technical services are closely monitoring water conditions. On the Vistula River, icebreaker vessels currently play a crucial role, tasked with breaking up ice floes to prevent the formation of jams that could lead to sudden floods. Experts from agricultural portals point out that while the previously abundant winter improved vegetation conditions in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, the rapid disappearance of snow raises concerns about subsequent soil drought. Historically, February in Poland was a month of deep winter, but in the last decade, weather anomalies related to the influx of tropical air masses are increasingly observed, fitting into the global trend of climate warming in Central Europe. The sudden change in weather also affects urban infrastructure and public health. In Lublin, intensive post-winter road repairs have begun using hot asphalt to remove potholes formed due to ground freeze-thaw cycles, while in Łódź, a detailed audit of the pavement condition is currently being conducted before planned works. Simultaneously, doctors warn about the impact of rapid warming on meteopaths. Patients may complain of migraines and blood pressure fluctuations caused by dynamic changes in atmospheric pressure. Despite optimistic forecasts for sunshine in part of the country, February is ending in an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the state of water resources in the upcoming spring season. „Najważniejszym zadaniem służb jest obecnie zapewnienie drożności koryt rzecznych i ochrona wałów przed naporem mas lodu.” (The most important task for the services currently is to ensure the patency of riverbeds and protect levees from the pressure of ice masses.) — Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration

Mentioned People

  • Tomasz Siemoniak — Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration (used as an example of an editorial quote for decision-making background)