Tropical heat wave in Poland. Thermometers up to 35 degrees

The heat wave that is beginning is the result of a strong inflow of tropical air from northern Africa and southern Europe. The heat front is moving from the west and has been affecting residents of several provinces since Tuesday. Meteorologists are warning – we have three days of hellish temperatures and dangerous weather conditions ahead of us, which may negatively affect health, transport and daily duties.

"Second-degree warnings come into effect on Tuesday at 2 p.m. and will expire on Thursday at 6 p.m. According to IMGW, the maximum temperature on Tuesday is expected to be between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius, on Wednesday between 33 and 35℃, and on Thursday between 30 and 33 degrees C," reads the institute's statement.

Level 2 alerts: the biggest threat to the southwest

Second-degree meteorological warnings , or higher-risk warnings, cover wide areas of western Poland. Residents of the Lubuskie and Lower Silesian voivodeships are particularly at risk.

In the Lubuskie Province, alerts are in effect in the following counties: Międzyrzecz, Sulęcin, Słubice, Świebodzin, Krosno, Zielona Góra, Nowa Sól, Żary, Żagań and Zielona Góra. In the Lower Silesia Province, second-degree warnings apply to the Zgorzelec, Bolesławiec and Lubań counties.

Warnings mean the occurrence of dangerous meteorological phenomena that can cause significant material losses and a threat to health and life. Their effects can significantly limit business activities, as well as cause serious difficulties in transport and the organization of outdoor events. The Institute recommends exercising "great caution, the need to follow messages and the development of the weather situation".

"Follow all recommendations issued by rescue services in a threat situation. Adjust your plans to weather conditions," informs IMGW.

First level alerts: hot, but not extreme yet

A lower level of warning – level one – is in effect in parts of the West Pomeranian and Lubuskie provinces. Although this type of alarm does not predict such dramatic conditions as a level two warning, it still carries serious consequences.

The West Pomeranian Voivodeship has been covered by warnings in the following counties: Police, Gryfino, Pyrzyce and Myślibórz. In the Lubuskie Voivodeship, this applies to Gorzów Wielkopolski and the Gorzów county.

First-degree warnings also come into effect at 2pm on Tuesday and last until 9pm on Wednesday. During this time, maximum temperatures on Tuesday will reach between 29 and 31°C, and on Wednesday between 33 and 35°C.

According to the IMGW definition, a first-degree warning is "conditions conducive to the occurrence of dangerous meteorological phenomena that may cause material losses and a threat to health and life". Additionally, IMGW indicates the possibility of "difficulties resulting from carrying out activities in the area of ​​the threat, including delays caused by road traffic obstructions, disruptions in the course of outdoor events or the possibility of their cancellation".

The hottest days are still ahead of us

Although Tuesday will bring unpleasant conditions, forecasters emphasize that the peak of the heat will fall on Wednesday. On that day, the mercury is expected to soar to 35 degrees Celsius, which is a challenge for the elderly, children, the chronically ill, as well as for infrastructure - from transport to energy.

High temperatures may result in an increase in medical interventions related to overheating, fainting or heatstroke. Authorities urge people to avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and limit physical exertion.

How to prepare for heat waves

In the face of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, experts call for the implementation of basic safety rules:

• stay in the shade and air-conditioned rooms between 11am and 5pm
• hydrate your body regularly – don't wait until you feel thirsty
• avoid coffee and alcohol - they contribute to dehydration
• protect your head and eyes from the sun - wear a hat and sunglasses
• do not leave children or animals in the car - even a few minutes can end in tragedy
• limit the use of devices that emit additional heat – such as ovens, dryers or computers

The next few days are marked by heat

According to IMGW forecasts, Thursday will not bring any major cooling either. Although the temperature is expected to drop slightly – to 30–33 degrees Celsius – these will still be values ​​above the multi-year average. Only on Friday is a cold front likely to pass, which will bring relief, but also storms and heavy rainfall.

Poles should remain vigilant and adapt their daily activities to weather conditions, especially since extreme temperatures may occur more than once this summer.

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