Supercell storm damages buildings in western Poland, more severe weather ahead
A supercell thunderstorm tore through western Poland overnight, damaging roofs and downing trees, as forecasters warn of more dangerous storms with large hail and hurricane-force winds on Wednesday.
Night of destruction
A supercell thunderstorm crossed into western Poland from Germany on the evening of 30 June, accompanied by large hail, intense rain, and destructive winds. By 9 p.m., firefighters in Wielkopolska had already responded to 73 calls, according to spokesman Martin Halasz. The storm damaged roofs on a church in Wilkowice and a residential building in Jerka, where a falling tree struck two cars. In Wschowa, several roofs were torn off.
By 9 p.m., Wielkopolska firefighters had recorded 73 interventions. The most incidents are in Leszno county (27), followed by Kościan county (18).
Overnight, the total number of interventions grew: 136 in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, 127 in Wielkopolska, and over 80 in Lubuskie. Crews removed fallen trees, pumped water from flooded basements, and secured damaged structures.
- Evening: weather begins to deteriorate in western Poland, with first storms forming.
- IMGW issues warning for storms with heavy rain and wind up to 100 km/h.
- Supercell reported near Środa (Wielkopolska), large hail and damaging winds; firefighters record 73 interventions.
- Morning: damage assessment shows 136 interventions in Kujawsko-Pomorskie, 127 in Wielkopolskie, 80+ in Lubuskie.
- Forecast: severe storms to redevelop in afternoon and evening, with hail up to 6 cm and wind gusts up to 110 km/h.
What Wednesday holds
After a brief morning lull, the most dangerous storms are forecast for the afternoon and evening. IMGW warns that supercells and multicell clusters will form, bringing torrential rain of 30–35 mm, locally 40–60 mm, wind gusts of 90–100 km/h (up to 110 km/h in places), and large hail with a diameter of 4–6 cm. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The east and south-east face the highest risk of intense downpours.
During thunderstorms, rainfall totals will generally be 20 to 30 mm, and locally in the west up to 40 mm.
A country divided by temperature
Poland will see an extreme thermal contrast on Wednesday. The east and south-east remain under a level‑III heat warning, with maximum temperatures of 34–37°C. Meanwhile, the coast and western regions will struggle to reach 18°C. Central areas hover around 30°C, creating a sharp boundary that fuels storm development.
Emergency response and alerts
RCB (Government Centre for Security) issued alerts for several voivodeships, warning of power outages and advising residents to avoid open spaces. Fire services remain on high alert across the affected regions. The alerts, sent on 30 June, cover dolnośląskie, wielkopolskie, kujawsko-pomorskie, lubuskie, and parts of łódzkie.
Heavy rain, strong wind, and thunderstorms likely. Possible power cuts. Avoid open spaces.
Cooling ahead
A cold front will sweep through on Wednesday night, bringing relief. Thursday’s temperatures will drop to 21–26°C over most of the country, with the coast and south-eastern tips around 20°C. Isolated showers and weaker thunderstorms may persist in the south-east, but the severe-weather threat recedes.
