Poland has come under the influence of a powerful anticyclone named Felix, which has brought frigid, Arctic air over the country. Thermometers in Kętrzyn recorded a record low of -21.7 degrees Celsius, and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issued numerous warnings. While the high-pressure system provides temporary clear skies, another barometric system is already approaching from the west, heralding snowfall and dangerous glaze ice phenomena on the roads.

Extreme Temperature Drops

In the town of Kętrzyn, -21.7 degrees Celsius was recorded, and in many regions of the country, frost reached double-digit values below zero.

Warnings for Glaze Ice

Meteorologists warn of freezing precipitation and road icing, which will occur as a result of the clash between the high-pressure system and the approaching frontal low-pressure system.

Dynamic Change in Systems

The Felix high is giving way to the Wally low, which will cause a shift from sunny, frosty weather to intense snowfall from the western border.

Poland is grappling with a sudden return of winter due to an anticyclone named Felix. This high-pressure system has dominated the weather over most of the country, bringing masses of Arctic air. The most difficult situation is in the northeast, where extreme temperature drops have been recorded. In Kętrzyn, thermometers showed -21.7°C, and in many other regions, the frost exceeded -15 degrees. Meteorologists warn that the frosty weather will persist for the coming days, and the stabilization of the weather is only apparent due to incoming frontal changes. Waves of severe frosts in February are characteristic of Poland's transitional climate, but in recent decades, their frequency has decreased in favor of milder winters caused by global climate change. However, the barometric situation is undergoing dynamic changes. The Felix high is slowly moving deeper into Russia, giving way to a deep low-pressure system named Wally, which is approaching from the North Sea and Denmark. This change is associated with the arrival of an atmospheric front from the west, which will bring abundant snowfall and dangerous freezing rain. The IMGW warns that on the night of February 16 to 17, visibility in southwestern Poland may be limited by dense fog, which, combined with road icing, will create extremely difficult conditions for drivers. -21.7°C — lowest temperature measured in Kętrzyn Experts emphasize that the end of the thaw is definitive, and winter has regained its energy. While the eastern part of the country remains under the influence of cooled continental air, warmer maritime polar air will begin to flow into the southwest. The clash of air masses with different physical properties will cause sudden weather phenomena. Residents of most voivodeships must prepare for round-the-clock frost, which will last at least until February 19. The wind will remain weak to moderate, but low humidity and frost intensify the feeling of biting cold.