As winter's chill returns, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued a series of weather warnings for the Podkarpackie region, anticipating a stark change in conditions over the weekend. This comes after a relatively mild Friday, April 4, 2025, when temperatures soared to a comfortable range of 15°C in the northeast to a warm 21°C in the west, with pleasant weather dominating the day.
However, as night fell, the forecast took a turn. Colder air began to sweep across the country, bringing with it rain in the southeast and the potential for sleet in regions such as Warmia, Mazury, and Suwalszczyzna. Notably, the Bieszczady Mountains could experience thunderstorms, adding an element of unpredictability to the weather.
According to the IMGW, temperatures overnight on Friday are expected to dip significantly, ranging from -1°C to 2°C in the northern and central parts of Poland. In the southern regions, temperatures will be slightly higher, between 3°C and 8°C, while mountainous areas will see readings from 1°C to 4°C. As a precaution, frost warnings of the first degree will be in effect from 11 PM on Friday until 7 AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, across several areas.
Saturday is poised to be a stark contrast to Friday's warm embrace. The cold front will impact the entire country, leading to a day characterized by heavy cloud cover, intermittent rain, and snow showers. These wintry conditions could even result in blizzards, with visibility potentially dropping to as low as 500 meters due to heavy snowfall. In the Tatra Mountains, up to 7 cm of snow is forecasted, promising a challenging environment for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be considerably lower than those experienced on Friday, with a range from 4°C in the north to a maximum of 12°C in the southwestern parts of the country. The wind will also pick up, blowing from the north at speeds reaching 70 km/h, which could lead to snowdrifts in areas experiencing snowfall. In the Podkarpackie region alone, there will be four first-degree alerts issued for strong winds, icing, frost, and snowfall.
“The weekend is shaping up to lean more towards winter than summer,” remarked meteorologist Dorota Pacocha, encapsulating the drastic change in weather.
In Rzeszów, the capital of the Podkarpackie region, Saturday's forecast indicates a daytime temperature of around 9°C, with a 55% chance of precipitation. The wind will blow from the northwest at speeds of up to 28 km/h, making the perceived temperature feel more like 5°C. As night falls, temperatures in Rzeszów are expected to drop to -1°C, signaling a chilly evening ahead.
Sunday, April 6, 2025, is anticipated to be even cooler, with daytime temperatures only reaching 3°C. The wind will shift to a northern direction, increasing in speed to 34 km/h. There is a 59% chance of rain, with meteorologists predicting heavy downpours as the weekend concludes. Nighttime temperatures could plummet to -3°C, reinforcing the need for residents to bundle up as they prepare for the colder nights.
As the weather transitions, the UV index for Saturday is recorded at 4, indicating moderate risk from sun exposure. Residents are advised to wear sunglasses and protective clothing if they plan to be outdoors during peak sunlight hours.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Rzeszów reveals a gradual warming trend in the following days, with temperatures expected to rise slightly from 4°C on April 6 to 10°C by April 11. However, the return of wintery conditions this weekend serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of spring weather in the region.
With the combination of rain, snow, and strong winds, residents and travelers are urged to stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. The IMGW continues to monitor the situation, providing updates as necessary to ensure public safety.
As the weekend unfolds, it will be essential for individuals to remain vigilant, especially those planning outdoor activities or travel in the affected areas. The stark contrast between the warm Friday and the impending wintery conditions serves as a reminder that spring in Podkarpackie can be a season of surprises.
