Poland swelters under extreme heat and storm warnings; temperatures could reach 42°C as alerts cover most of the country
Poland is facing a day of extreme weather as the meteorological institute IMGW issues top-tier heat alerts and storm warnings, with daytime highs of up to 42°C expected and violent storms bringing hail, heavy rain, and gale-force winds.
Poland is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 42°C on Sunday 28 June, accompanied by dangerous thunderstorms in the north. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has placed almost the entire country under heat alerts, while the Government Centre for Security (RCB) has sent a nationwide emergency alert urging people to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated.
Extreme heat reaches peak
Across much of the country, the mercury is expected to hit between 28°C and 42°C during the day, with nighttime lows offering little relief at 18–25°C. The highest temperatures – up to 42 degrees – are forecast for the voivodeships of Lubuskie, Zachodniopomorskie, Dolnośląskie, and Wielkopolskie. In the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region late-morning readings on Sunday had already reached 33.7°C.
Warning! Extreme heat is forecast. Avoid staying in direct sun and physical exertion. Keep yourself hydrated. Wear head cover and light clothing.
The heat warnings, many at the third and highest level, remain in force for the entire day and into Monday evening across provinces including Mazowieckie, Małopolskie, Śląskie, and Pomorskie. IMGW classifies a third-degree alert as one carrying a risk of catastrophic damage and a direct threat to life.
Storms with hail and violent winds
In parallel with the heat, a band of severe thunderstorms is set to sweep across the north of the country from Sunday afternoon. IMGW has issued second-degree storm warnings for large parts of Lubuskie, Zachodniopomorskie, Wielkopolskie, Pomorskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, and Warmińsko-Mazurskie.
This afternoon and evening the north-western part of the country will see thunderstorms that may be violent. They will bring rainfall of 20–25 mm, though local accumulations of up to 35–40 mm cannot be ruled out. Wind gusts may reach 90 km/h, with a limited risk of 100 km/h locally. Hail is also expected in some places.
The storm alerts come into effect at 15:00 on Sunday and last until the early hours of Monday – generally until 06:00, though some counties in Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Warmia-Masuria see slightly different end times.
- Daytime high
- 42 °C
- Nighttime high
- 25 °C
Nationwide precautions
The RCB alert, broadcast to all phones on Sunday, underscores the scale of the threat. Authorities advise staying indoors during the hottest hours, drinking plenty of water, and following weather updates. The warnings will remain active until Monday evening for the heat and until Monday morning for the storms, after which conditions are expected to ease gradually.
The combination of extreme heat and violent thunderstorms poses a dual hazard, with a heightened risk of flash flooding in areas that receive the heaviest downpours alongside the danger of heatstroke and dehydration from prolonged high temperatures.
