Central and Western Europe are preparing for a surge of exceptionally warm, tropical air, bringing temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius. Along with the warming, dust from the Sahara will sweep over the continent, potentially causing the phenomenon of 'blood rain.' Despite the spring-like weather, meteorologists warn of nighttime frosts, dense fog, and a growing flood threat resulting from a wave of rapid snowmelt in the Vistula and Oder river basins.
Spring Warmth Surge
Temperatures will exceed 15 degrees in Poland and 20 degrees in Southern Europe, resulting from an influx of tropical air masses.
Saharan Dust Over Poland
The approaching dust cloud from Africa may cause the phenomenon of 'blood rain' and make life difficult for allergy sufferers.
Flood Threat
Rapid snowmelt has led to alarm stages being exceeded on five major rivers in Poland.
Night Frosts and Fog
Despite warm days, nighttime temperatures drop below zero, and dense fog reduces visibility to a few dozen meters.
The beginning of March 2026 brings unusual warming for this time of year, covering a significant part of the European continent. The dominance of a high-pressure system allows for an influx of tropical air masses, resulting in temperatures rising in Poland to 15–18 degrees Celsius, and in Italy and France to over 20 degrees. Synopticians emphasize that such a stable barometric situation guarantees sunny weather but also favors the occurrence of temperature inversion. This phenomenon, combined with moist ground, generates dense radiation fog, which significantly reduces visibility during the morning rush hour. Inversion also means that despite warm days, nights remain cool, with local temperature drops below zero. Historically, March in Poland is characterized by enormous variability in weather components, as reflected in the folk saying 'March weather is like a stew in a pot.' Record temperatures for this month in Central Europe rarely exceeded 20 degrees before the end of the decade. A particular element of the upcoming weather change is a cloud of dust from the Sahara moving northward. This phenomenon will not only affect the color of the sky, giving it a milky or yellowish hue, but in the event of precipitation, it could lead to so-called 'blood rain' – a deposit that dirties car bodies and building facades. This phenomenon raises concerns among people with respiratory problems and allergy sufferers, as fine mineral particles can irritate mucous membranes. Meanwhile, the hydrological situation is becoming tense. Rapid melting of the snow cover in the mountains and eastern parts of the country has caused a sharp rise in river water levels. Alarm stage has been declared on several river sections, and hydrologists from the IMGW are closely tracking the movement of the flood wave. Although long-term forecasts predict a brief return of cold and snowfall in the middle of the month, the current pulse of warmth has clearly stimulated plant vegetation, which carries the risk of agricultural losses in case of a return of stronger frosts.