Severe winter weather continues to grip Poland as forecasts signal cold temperatures and potential heavy snowfall across the country. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has warned residents to brace for conditions as temperatures are expected to plunge well below zero.
"We don't see any indication of temperatures rising significantly," said Michał Kowalczuk, an IMGW meteorologist, during his commentary on Radio RMF24. He added, "Cold nights will persist over the next few weeks with snow expected to fall," especially impacting areas like the south-west where accumulations may reach 5 to 10 centimeters.
According to the forecast, parts of eastern Poland could see lows dipping to -10 or even -12 degrees Celsius, presenting real risks, especially for those without adequate shelter. Given the chilling temperatures, authorities are concerned about the homeless population. Robert Gogola, spokesperson for the Municipal Police of Lublin, echoed this concern, emphasizing the need for community vigilance: "Let’s not be indifferent to the fate of those individuals struggling to find warmth. We must look out for abandoned buildings and other perilous locations where people may seek refuge."
Efforts have been underway since the start of the year to check on reported homeless individuals. Since January, approximately 50 notifications have been made to local authorities about the presence of homeless people living under dangerous conditions, highlighting the increasing urgency as winter takes hold.
Meanwhile, the forecasts also bring to light concerning patterns of weather anomalies. Hydrologists are sounding alarms about the driest winter conditions seen in years across Poland. Michal Sikora from the Institute cautioned about the future impact this may have during the spring and summer months. "With minimal snow and rainfall so far this winter, we won’t have the necessary water supply for plants to flourish once they begin to grow," Sikora explained during his conversation with Radio ZET. He noted, "Typically, when the snow melts – about March - it provides a fresh supply of water beneficial for plant growth, but this year may not yield those results. We might face drought conditions later this year if these trends continue."">
IMGW's predictions warn of significant rainfall come March, with models indicating values above the long-term averages from 1991-2020, especially affecting northern areas including Pomerania, Warmia-Masuria, and Podlaskie. This will be contrasted with southern regions, where rainfall is expected to remain below the norm. April, on the other hand, threatens to be particularly wet, with rainfall projected to be significantly higher, raising concerns about flooding risks for parts of the country.
The back-and-forth struggle of freezing temperatures and impending precipitation highlights the stark reality of Poland's winter weather. "One month is clearly going to be anomalous," said IMGW experts, indicating fluctuations set to surprise residents.
The warnings are clear: winter weather continues to pose challenges for all sectors of the population, but particularly for those most vulnerable. The hope is community efforts will bolster support systems for those caught outside and unshielded from the brutal cold. It will be imperative for citizens to report any signs of those struggling to cope with freezing weather.
With no immediate relief from the cold, authorities are monitoring conditions and reminding the public to stay informed through credible forecasts and to assist those needing help. Now more than ever, as the winter chill persists, we must come together as communities to provide support and warmth.