Poland under nationwide heat alerts as temperatures forecast to hit 42°C and possibly break the 1921 record
The entire country is under IMGW heat warnings through Monday evening, with Sunday’s highs reaching 42°C in western and central regions. Prime Minister Tusk warned the sun “is no joke” after his own morning run proved a serious challenge.
Nationwide alerts and peak temperatures
Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej (IMGW) issued level-2 and level-3 heat warnings covering all of Poland. The level-3 warning, the highest tier, applies to most of the country, while level-2 covers the north‑eastern belt and parts of the south. Under level-3, Saturday is expected to bring 34–38°C, Sunday 36–42°C, and Monday 28–34°C. Nighttime lows will stay between 19°C and 24°C, offering little relief. The alerts run from Saturday 10:00 until Monday 20:00.
Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa (RCB) sent a text alert to all residents:
Uwaga! Prognozowany upał. Unikaj przebywania na słońcu i wysiłku fizycznego. Nawadniaj się. Noś nakrycie głowy i lekką odzież.
The Lublin region is among the areas under the highest warning, with Sunday temperatures possibly reaching 42°C.
Urban heat: thermographic measurements in Warsaw
A Polsat News crew used a thermal camera on Warsaw’s Vistula boulevards early Saturday. Concrete slabs already registered 33°C before 8:00 a.m., while black metal chairs reached 46°C.
Even at this early hour, there are places that are really heated. You’d think it should be pleasant, but after standing a few minutes it really starts to bother you.
The day before, external car surfaces were measured at 125–130°C, and some spots hit 60°C. The reporter recommended finishing any outdoor activity before 10:00 a.m.
- Concrete pavement
- 33 °C
- Black metal chair
- 46 °C
- Car exterior
- 125 °C
Prime minister’s appeal
Donald Tusk went for his customary 10-kilometre run on Saturday morning. He later posted a video on X, calling the effort “a very serious challenge.”
My good advice to everyone: if you don’t have to go out in the sun today, especially in the afternoon, then don’t go out. Take care above all of the youngest and the oldest. Remember, this weekend the sun is no joke.
His post also urged particular attention to children and seniors. The Ministry of Interior and Administration said its services were at “full readiness” to assist.
Health risks and expert warnings
Dr Jacek Wawrzynek of the Polish Society of Paramedics told TVN24 that heat exhaustion is usually reversible, but heat stroke is a life‑threatening condition.
Heat stroke is a real life‑threatening state, so we absolutely must not ignore symptoms such as consciousness disturbances, excessive shivering, or a body temperature significantly exceeding 38, 39, and often 40 degrees Celsius.
He advised against any non‑urgent work during peak sun hours and stressed the need for water, head coverings, and light clothing.
Potential record and what comes next
Meteorologists say a high‑pressure heat dome, which previously broke records in France and Germany, has shifted over Central Europe. The three days 26–28 June could be the hottest in Polish measurement history. The all‑time Polish maximum of 40.2°C, set in July 1921 in Prószków, may fall, likely somewhere in the west, where IMGW’s central forecasting unit projects 41°C in southern Lubuskie on Sunday.
After the weekend the intense heat is expected to ease, but strong thunderstorms are forecast.
- IMGW level-2 and level-3 heat alerts take effect across all of Poland
- Peak heat: Sunday maximum 36–42°C, highest in the west; the 1921 record of 40.2°C may be broken
- Heat alerts expire; strong thunderstorms expected
