Poland is bracing for a significant snowfall overnight as the first and second level weather alerts from the IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) remain in place. Saturday evening marks the beginning of a heavy snowstorm that is expected to last through the night, bringing with it substantial snow accumulation across various regions.
In southern Poland, some areas could see up to 40 cm of snow by Sunday morning. Heavy snow is forecasted to continue, and the snowfall intensity is expected to increase, with areas in the north anticipating up to 10 cm more. Thunderstorms are also a possibility along the coast, adding to the weather chaos.
IMGW’s second-level snowfall warnings are in effect for parts of the Pomeranian and West Pomeranian Voivodeships, where heavy snowfalls of 20 to 30 cm are expected. Meanwhile, a first-level warning remains in place for much of northern Poland, from Szczecin to Olsztyn, with snow accumulation ranging from 10 to 20 cm. Further alerts are active for several other provinces, including Lower Silesian, Silesian, Świętokrzyskie, Podkarpackie, and Lesser Poland. The most significant snowfall is expected in the southern part of Lesser Poland, where up to 40 cm of snow could fall, prompting second-degree warnings.
Temperatures will drop significantly, with maximums ranging from -2°C in the foothill regions to 3°C near the sea. Snowdrifts and blizzards may also occur in some areas, making travel conditions difficult. On the night from Saturday to Sunday, clouds will cover much of the country, with snow continuing to fall in many areas. The foothills of the Carpathians will see a snow cover increase of 15-20 cm, while the rest of the country could see an additional 5-8 cm. The minimum temperature will dip to -6°C in mountainous regions, and around 1°C near the coast.
As the snowstorm continues into Sunday, Poland will experience heavy cloud cover, with the possibility of clear skies near the sea and in the northwest. The mountain areas will bear the brunt of the snowfall, with up to 25 cm of snow expected. For most of the rest of the country, an additional 5-10 cm of snow is likely. The maximum temperature will range from -1 to 1°C, and the mountains will see temperatures as low as -3°C.
Travelers and residents across Poland should take precautions as snow continues to accumulate, and hazardous conditions such as snowdrifts and reduced visibility are likely throughout the weekend.
