IMGW issues heat, wind, and severe storm warnings across Poland for Friday and Saturday

Heat and wind warnings across the south

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has placed more than half of Poland under weather warnings on Friday, 28 August 2026. Level 1 heat warnings are active from 12:00 to 20:00 across portions of Lubusz, Lower Silesia, Opole, and Silesia. Maximum daytime temperatures in these southwestern areas will reach between 28°C and 31°C, following several days of cooler temperatures where nighttime values fell to 10°C. In the northeast, daytime highs will remain cooler at 22°C to 23°C, while central Poland will record around 25°C.

Southern Lower Silesia is also under a Level 1 strong wind alert, valid on Friday until 14:00. Average wind speeds in the southern districts will reach 40 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 75 km/h. At higher elevations in the Sudetes, gusts are forecast to reach 80 km/h, while peak gusts in mountain regions may reach 85 km/h.

Severe thunderstorm alerts from southwest to north

Atmospheric conditions will deteriorate rapidly starting Friday evening as an active weather front moves into Poland from the west. IMGW has issued Level 2 storm warnings for Greater Poland, Lower Silesia, and parts of Lubusz voivodeship, taking effect at 22:00 on Friday and remaining active until Saturday morning. These storms will deliver intense precipitation between 30 mm and 40 mm, with localized totals reaching up to 50 mm. Accompanying wind gusts will reach up to 75 km/h, alongside local hail that could reach diameters of 2 to 3 cm.

Level 1 storm warnings cover Opole voivodeship and parts of Silesia and Łódź voivodeships. Further north, Level 1 alerts for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms cover Pomerania, Kuyavia-Pomerania, and the eastern edge of Warmia-Masuria. Rainfall in the northern zone is forecast between 30 mm and 40 mm, with wind gusts reaching up to 65 km/h. These northern alerts will take effect overnight and remain in place until 10:00 on Saturday.

Approaching trough and meteorological forecast

The volatile conditions stem from a collision of differing air masses over Central Europe. Warm tropical air advancing from the south will interact with cooler, moister air moving from the Atlantic, creating favorable conditions for convective storm development. While the eastern and northeastern corners of Poland will experience a calm and dry night, the western half of the country will face expanding cloud cover and showers.

IMGW meteorologist Michał Kowalczuk described the broader synoptic situation governing the incoming front.

We are under the influence of a high-pressure system. Over the next 24 hours, a low-pressure trough from the North Sea will move in from the west.

Safety advice and alert classifications

Polish police and emergency services have urged residents across alert zones to exercise caution during the convective events. Safety recommendations include avoiding parking vehicles under trees, clearing balconies, terraces, and windowsills of loose items that could be dislodged by strong gusts, and securing all doors and windows. Individuals outdoors are advised to stay clear of metal structures and avoid touching conductive materials during lightning activity.

Under IMGW standards, a Level 1 warning denotes conditions favorable for hazardous meteorological phenomena that can cause material damage and pose risks to health and life. A Level 2 warning indicates the direct occurrence of these dangerous phenomena, leading to disruptions in transportation, power networks, and scheduled outdoor gatherings.