Storms and Heavy Rain to Sweep Across Poland: IMGW Issues Warnings for Eight Provinces

The coming hours will bring a significant change in weather across Poland, with the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) warning of storms, intense rainfall, and strong winds. The unstable conditions are expected to begin on Sunday afternoon and continue through the night into Monday, which marks the first day of meteorological summer. A low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic, associated with a secondary low named Mechthild, is driving the unsettled weather.

Sunday's Threat: Northeast in the Crosshairs

On Sunday afternoon, the primary threat is focused on the northeastern part of the country. Storms with rainfall of up to 20 mm and wind gusts reaching approximately 60 km/h are forecast for an area stretching from Polesie Lubelskie through Podlasie, eastern Mazovia, and into the Masuria region. In response, the IMGW has issued first-degree storm warnings for large parts of the Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie provinces, as well as the northeastern fringes of Mazovia. These alerts are in effect from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Sunday afternoon will be marked by moderate to heavy cloud cover, with the exception of the northern part of the country, where there may be more clearings towards evening.

Overnight Shift: Heavy Rain Moves South

As night falls, the weather system will shift its focus to the south and southwest. A band of continuous and intense rainfall, accompanied by embedded thunderstorms, is expected to move from the Sudetes towards the Carpathians. The southern parts of the Lower Silesian, Opole, and Silesian provinces are forecast to see the heaviest precipitation, with totals reaching up to 25 mm. The IMGW has issued first-degree warnings for heavy rain with thunderstorms for the southwestern provinces, including Lubuskie, Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, and Lesser Poland. These warnings will be in effect from 8:00 PM Sunday to 3:00 PM Monday, with total rainfall in these areas potentially reaching between 25 and 40 mm.

Monday's Outlook: Nationwide Instability

Monday is expected to continue the trend of unstable weather. While the south will experience continuous frontal rainfall, the rest of the country will be in a stream of moist polar maritime air, leading to the development of shower clouds and local thunderstorms. The highest risk of storms on Monday is forecast in a belt from Warmia, through Mazovia, to the Świętokrzyskie region. Wind gusts during storms could reach up to 70 km/h. The IMGW's threat forecast indicates that yellow alerts for storms may be issued for nine provinces on Monday, including Mazowieckie, Lubelskie, and Podkarpackie.

A Precursor Event: Tornado in Opole Region

This forecast comes just a day after a dangerous weather event was already recorded in Poland. On Saturday, May 30, a tornado passed through the Strzelce County area, near Balcarzowice. The IMGW confirmed the event on social media, stating it caused significant damage to buildings and forests, including torn-off roofs and downed trees. The institute explained that such phenomena form under conditions of high atmospheric instability and strong wind shear, which are conducive to the development of rotating storms.

In the area of Balcarzowice, a tornado occurred, which caused significant damage to buildings and tree stands.

Looking Ahead: A Stormy Week

IMGW's threat forecast suggests the unsettled weather will persist well into the coming week. First-degree storm warnings may be necessary on Tuesday for the eastern provinces, including Podlaskie, Lubelskie, and Podkarpackie. By Wednesday, the risk area is predicted to shift westward, potentially covering provinces from West Pomerania to Lesser Poland. Thursday could see a return of stormy conditions to the eastern half of the country. Authorities warn that the intense rainfall could lead to rapid rises in river levels, local flooding, and overloading of storm drainage systems.