Litworowy Kocioł, located within the Tatra Mountains, Poland, has shattered the previous record for the lowest temperature ever measured on Polish territory. On the night of January 15-16, 2023, thermometers plummeted to -41.13 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest recorded weather for the area, according to experts from the Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) in Poznań.
This remarkable record eclipses the historical low of -41 degrees Celsius set on January 11, 1940, near Siedlce, and -40.6 degrees Celsius recorded on February 10, 1929, in Żywiec. The Litworowy Kocioł’s distinct geographical and climatic traits play significant roles, allowing it to act as Poland's coldest location.
Litworowy Kocioł functions much like other so-called "mrozowiska" or cold traps, where cold air accumulates and is retained due to the topographical features of the surrounding mountains. This natural bowl is enveloped by the high peaks of the Western Tatra range—including Krzesanica, Małołączniak, and Kozi Grzbiet—making it distinctively resistant to the dissipative effects of light and warmth from the sun. Consequently, it can achieve such extreme temperature lows even during the summer months.
Dr. Bartosz Czernecki, who leads the research on these frozen landscapes, noted, "-41.13 degrees Celsius is the lowest temperature recorded on Polish territory." His team's consistent monitoring has indicated the unique qualities of the Litworowy Kocioł. They are even considering scenarios in which temperatures might reach as low as -50 degrees Celsius there, as its topological conditions support such anomalies.
Additional weather data released by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) corroborated the cold snap across Poland, with -21.5 degrees Celsius recorded at Jakuszyce and -20.2 degrees at Szemud. These figures were substantial, yet they paled compared to the exceptional degree of chill at Litworowy Kocioł.
"This was the lowest measured temperature value recorded in Poland this century," Dr. Czernecki emphasized. The significance of this finding extends beyond mere record-keeping; it provides insight necessary for climate research and analysis. The Litworowy Kocioł's data are becoming pivotal as climatologists strive to understand such extreme cold occurrences tracked over recent years.
Despite the chilling record, the ecological and climatic reality for many tourists and locals remains turbulent. The Litworowy Kocioł indicates to mountain enthusiasts and researchers alike just how unforgiving Polish winters can be. With winter still holding sway, weather forecasts suggest similar conditions may persist, with frigid nights expected throughout much of the coming week.
The research team at UAM regularly updates their findings and embraces public engagement through their platform, mrozowiska.pl, aiming to spread awareness about these cold weather phenomena.
For now, Litworowy Kocioł continues to attract interest as one of the rare places worldwide capable of reaching extremes previously unimagined. The combination of local geography, climatic conditions, and atmospheric phenomena produces lows capable of outstripping even the coldest records. While this winter has witnessed exceptionally low temperatures, experts remain vigilant, assessing both the data and future possibilities.
Looking beyond this winter, as predictions from the team appear increasingly compelling, there's hope for even more significant lows as global climates undergo change. The story of Litworowy Kocioł is not just about frigid conditions; it embodies the continued exploration and пониманиеof Poland's unique environmental features, solidified by its record-breaking temperatures.