Poland and Italy are facing dynamic weather changes at the onset of astronomical spring. While thermometers in the warmest regions of Poland will show close to 20 degrees Celsius, nighttime frosts will return. The situation is complicated by hydrological warnings from the Polish IMGW institute and an alarm state on the Prosna River. Meanwhile, in Italy, despite above-average temperatures, violent downpours and hailstorms are forecast, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country.
Temperature contrast in Poland
Daytime temperatures will rise to nearly 20 degrees Celsius, yet nighttime frosts still occur, posing a threat to vegetation.
Hydrological threat
The Polish IMGW institute has issued warnings due to elevated water levels; the alarm state has been exceeded at the Prosna station.
Storms and hail in Italy
Italy is grappling with the first spring downpours and local hailstorms, mainly in the center and south of the country.
Mountain conditions
Despite signs of spring in the Tatra and Beskid mountains, higher areas remain iced over, although resorts like Zieleniec offer good skiing conditions.
The beginning of astronomical spring brings marked atmospheric instability in Poland and Italy. In Poland, daytime temperatures are approaching 20 — 20 degrees Celsius in the warmest regions, an effect of the Konrad anticyclone. However, this warming is temporary and does not mean an end to the threats typical of early spring. The main feature of the current weather is a huge contrast between day and night, when frosts return to many parts of the country. Ground frosts pose a significant risk to nature awakening to life.
The hydrological situation in Poland is becoming increasingly tense. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued official warnings regarding elevated water levels in rivers. Particularly concerning reports come from the Prosna station, where the alarm state has been exceeded. Poland: contrast between day and night: temperature: night frosts → daytime warming to around 20°C; weather character: calmer weather → from Wednesday, possible storms and weather deterioration From Wednesday, another change is forecast, which may bring storms and a general worsening of the weather, ending the short period of sunny conditions. The alarm state on rivers forces local services to maintain constant readiness to monitor flood embankments.
Simultaneously in Italy, the arrival of the first spring downpours is being observed. According to information from the ANSA agency, intense rainfall, local storms, and hailstorms are likely until tomorrow. These phenomena will primarily affect the central and southern parts of the Apennine Peninsula. Importantly, the violent phenomena are accompanied by temperatures remaining above the seasonal average, which favors the formation of storm cells. In Poland, such transitions from stronger warming to nighttime temperature drops are typical for March and early April. Similarly, in Italy, spring waves of warmer air often coexist with violent precipitation and storms, especially between the center and south of the country.
In the Polish mountains, despite visible first signs of spring in the Tatra and Beskid ranges, tourist conditions remain difficult. Dangerous icing persists in higher areas, requiring tourists to exercise particular care. At the same time, winter sports enthusiasts can still use infrastructure in lower areas; for example, in Zieleniec, good conditions for skiing still prevail. Long-term forecasts suggest that after a warm weekend, the rest of March may bring cooling, confirming the thesis of this year's early spring as an exceptionally variable and unpredictable period.