Severe Storms Expected Across Poland This Friday

On Friday, April 18, 2025, Poland is bracing for a day of turbulent weather, with forecasts predicting a significant shift from the stable and warm conditions experienced in the morning. As the day progresses, storm clouds will gather, bringing with them the potential for thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rainfall across various regions of the country.

The Polish Meteorological Institute (IMGW) has issued warnings for severe storms expected to sweep through the southern parts of Poland, particularly affecting areas from Upper Silesia, Małopolska, Podkarpacie, and Lubelszczyzna, extending towards the center of the country and into Mazowsze, Kujawy, Gdańsk Pomerania, and Warmia. These storms may be accompanied by violent weather phenomena, including heavy rain that could reach up to 25 mm in some areas, gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, and even hail.

Residents in the southern regions should be particularly vigilant, as the storm warnings are set to take effect from 2 PM local time. In other parts of the country, storms are anticipated to develop from around 4 PM. The main zone of storm activity is expected to form along a line from Podkarpacie, through parts of Lubelszczyzna and Małopolska, to the central areas, covering most of Mazowsze, Warmia, and the Pomeranian Province.

By the afternoon, the weather will shift dramatically, with moderate to heavy cloud cover moving in from the southwest and south. Rainfall will be intermittent, with the possibility of thunderstorms occurring in various locations. The storms are expected to produce heavy downpours, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 20-30 liters per square meter, particularly in the regions from Małopolska and Silesia, through the center of the country, to Kujawy.

In terms of temperatures, the day will see a range from 18 degrees Celsius in Western Pomerania, to a warmer 26-27 degrees Celsius in Mazovia, Warmia, Masuria, and Podlasie. The wind will predominantly blow from the southeast, with moderate to strong gusts, especially during storms.

In Warsaw, the capital, the forecast indicates that the cloud cover will be moderate to significant, with occasional rain expected throughout the day. The maximum temperature in the city is projected to reach 26 degrees Celsius, with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. The wind will be from the southeast at a moderate pace, becoming strong during storms, while atmospheric pressure is expected to slightly drop, reaching 997 hPa by noon.

Meanwhile, in Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, the weather will mirror that of Warsaw, with moderate to significant cloud cover and intermittent rain. The temperature is expected to peak at around 25 degrees Celsius, with similar wind conditions as seen in the capital.

In Poznań, residents can expect a similar pattern of weather, with moderate to heavy cloud cover and occasional rain, along with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The maximum temperature will be around 22 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing from the southwest and west.

Wrocław will also experience a cloudy day, with rain expected at intervals and the possibility of thunderstorms. The maximum temperature here will be around 20 degrees Celsius, with winds from the southwest and west, and atmospheric pressure fluctuating around 994 hPa.

Kraków will not escape the stormy weather either, with forecasts indicating moderate and large cloud cover along with occasional rain and possible thunderstorms. The temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing from the southeast.

As the day progresses, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the developing weather patterns, particularly the potential for severe storms. The storms are described as local phenomena, meaning they can impact small areas significantly while leaving others relatively unaffected. The energy levels in the atmosphere are expected to rise, contributing to the likelihood of stronger storms forming, especially in the early afternoon.

Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather alerts and take precautions as needed. The unpredictable nature of thunderstorms means that conditions can change rapidly, and safety should always be a priority.

As Friday unfolds, it will be a day of contrasts in Poland, transitioning from a warm morning to a potentially stormy afternoon. With the right preparations and awareness, residents can navigate the challenges posed by the weather, ensuring they remain safe as the storms roll through.