Record Heat Wave to Hit Poland with Temperatures Near 40°C
Poland braces for an unprecedented June heat wave as Saharan air pushes temperatures toward the all-time national record of 40.2°C, with meteorologists warning of dangerous conditions across western regions this week.
Poland is facing one of its most intense heat waves on record as extreme temperatures driven by a massive Saharan heat dome sweep across Europe. Forecasters warn that parts of Poland could approach a blistering 40–41°C later this week, potentially breaking the country's all-time temperature record of 40.2°C set in 1921 in Prószków, near Opole.
Heat Intensifies from Thursday
The hottest conditions will build from midweek, driven by hot air moving in from south-western Europe, with Poland's Western regions expected to bear the brunt of the heat and mostly sunny conditions and little rainfall expected from Thursday. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) said temperatures will reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.
The heat wave is part of a broader European weather crisis. An end-of-June weather pattern known as an "Omega Block" has paralyzed the upper atmosphere, locking in a monstrous Heat Dome that will literally surpass hundreds of previous late-June thresholds. As the core of the Heat Dome shifts eastwards, the most significant temperature anomalies will spread across Germany, Denmark, southern Scandinavia, Poland, the Baltic region, the Czech Republic and the Alpine region.
Poland's national meteorological office issued severe weather warnings across most of the country, with ten of the country's 16 provinces put under storm warnings on Friday with torrential rain, hail and winds of up to 115 km/h forecast for Saturday.
For foreigners and expats in Poland, this heat wave presents real health risks, especially if you're not accustomed to such extreme temperatures. Most Polish homes and apartments lack air conditioning. Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, and check on elderly neighbors. Public buildings, shopping centers, and libraries offer air-conditioned refuge. If you're traveling within Poland this week, allow extra time for transport disruptions and carry water at all times.
Sources
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