Poland Faces Extreme Weather: Record Heat Followed by Severe Hail and Dry Winter

Poland experienced a period of extreme weather in early March 2026 characterized by record-breaking heat and severe storms that produced hail the size of small balls. The unusual weather patterns followed what was described as a record-dry winter season for 2025/2026, despite the presence of snow during those months. According to reports from TVN24, the unseasonable warmth took hold at the beginning of the month, leading to widespread public observation of the thermal anomaly. Residents reported significant discomfort due to the high temperatures during a period typically associated with the transition from winter to spring. This record heat set the atmospheric conditions for the volatile weather that followed later in the month. „Dlaczego pocimy się na początku marca?” (Why are we sweating at the beginning of March?) — TVN24

Severe storms swept across the country on March 13, 2026, bringing intense precipitation and solid ice. As reported by RMF24, the storms were accompanied by hail that reached the size of small balls in several regions. The sudden onset of these convective events caused local disruptions as the ice fell over urban and rural areas. These storms occurred as a direct result of the high temperatures recorded earlier in the month, which increased atmospheric instability. Emergency services and meteorological observers documented the impact of the falling ice on property throughout the day. The intensity of the hail was noted as a primary feature of the weather front moving through the Polish territory.

The winter of 2025/2026 was officially classified as a record-dry season, creating a significant hydrological deficit despite visible snowfall. Analysis from Polityka indicated that while the population experienced typical winter scenery, the actual moisture levels remained at historic lows. This lack of precipitation has raised concerns regarding the state of groundwater and the readiness of the agricultural sector for the spring growing season. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) continues to monitor these trends to provide data for national water management strategies. The contrast between the presence of snow and the lack of overall precipitation highlights the complexity of the recent winter weather patterns.

The sequence of record heat followed by violent storms reflects a period of high atmospheric volatility in Central Europe. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) was established in 1973 through the merger of the State Hydrological and Meteorological Institute and the Institute of Water Management. It operates as a national research institute under the Ministry of Infrastructure, providing essential meteorological and hydrological services for Poland. Historically, March in Poland is a transitional month with average temperatures gradually rising as the country moves toward the spring equinox. Previous instances of extreme weather in the region have often prompted adjustments to national flood and drought management protocols. The combination of a dry winter and early spring heat creates a complex set of challenges for the hydrology of the Vistula and Oder river basins. Authorities remain on alert as the weather patterns continue to deviate from historical norms.