Poland is bracing for a chilly start to May as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued first-degree warnings for ground frosts across the country. With temperatures plummeting to as low as -5°C, the cold snap is expected to impact various regions, causing concern among farmers and gardeners alike.
According to the IMGW, the most significant temperature drops will be recorded in the north-eastern part of Poland, where ground frosts could reach as low as -4°C in areas such as Podlasie, Warmia, and Mazury, as well as eastern Mazovia. Meanwhile, central Poland, including major cities like Łódź and Warsaw, will likely see temperatures dip between -2°C and -3°C, with local readings possibly dropping even lower.
Western Poland, including Greater Poland, Lubusz, and western Lower Silesia, is also expected to experience frosts, although to a lesser extent, with temperatures forecasted to fall to around -1°C to -2°C, particularly in rural and exposed areas. The southern regions, particularly in Małopolska and Podkarpacie, will not escape the cold either, with ground temperatures expected to reach -3°C, especially in places like Nowy Targ and Sanok.
Interestingly, the northern part of Poland, including Pomerania, is also at risk, especially in inland areas such as Kashubia, where temperatures could drop to -2°C. However, those near the coastline can expect milder conditions, with temperatures hovering around 2–4°C at night.
As the cold snap unfolds, farmers are urged to take precautions to protect their crops. The IMGW advises against planting heat-loving plants like tomatoes and cucumbers until after May 15, a date often referred to as "Zimna Zośka" or "Cold Sophie," which marks the end of the typical frost period in Poland. This year, however, the forecasts suggest that the cold wave could be more severe than usual.
On the night of May 8 into May 9, temperatures in the Grójec area showed significant drops, with readings falling rapidly after 10:00 PM. The lowest temperatures were recorded between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, with the mercury falling to between -1.00 and 0.0 °C by sunrise. Specific locations in the Grójec area reported the following temperatures: Ciechlin at -3.3°C, Michrówek at -2.7°C, Bronisławów at -3.8°C, and Jajkowice at -2.3°C. The evening's cloud cover helped to mitigate further cooling, providing a slight reprieve for the crops.
In contrast, the Sandomierz area was largely spared from frost, with only the plots in the Vistula valley experiencing low temperatures. The reported temperatures there included Kleczanów at +0.2°C and Strączków at -0.2°C. On the other hand, Powiśle Lubelskie experienced a different scenario, where positive temperatures prevailed until about 3:00 AM, only to drop sharply at sunrise, with Józefów nad Wisłą recording -1.2°C.
In Greater Poland and Kujawy, the situation was much more favorable compared to the previous night, which had been disastrous for many farmers. Temperatures in this region remained above freezing, with Kcynia at +1.8°C and Rudna at 0.0°C.
With these frosty conditions expected to persist until May 15, the IMGW urges citizens to stay vigilant. The phenomenon is typical for this time of year, but the current forecasts indicate a stronger cold front than usual. Farmers are advised to take necessary precautions to safeguard their young plants and crops from the impending frost.
As Poland gears up for this cold spell, the community remains hopeful that the weather will stabilize soon, allowing for the planting of spring crops and the continuation of agricultural activities. The upcoming days will be critical for farmers, and the weather will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the success of their harvests this season.
