The Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa (RCB) has issued severe weather warnings for ten voivodeships in Poland, forecasting intense storms and strong winds for Friday, April 18, 2025, and Saturday, April 19, 2025. Alerts were sent via SMS to residents in the Łódzkie, Świętokrzyskie, Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, and parts of Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Lubelskie, Mazowieckie, and Śląskie voivodeships. The RCB urged residents to exercise caution and seek safe shelter during the storms.
As the severe storms moved from south to north across Poland, the RCB recommended that people stay indoors if possible. Residents in affected areas were advised to secure items on balconies and yards, move vehicles to safe locations, protect outdoor animals, and prepare alternative lighting, such as flashlights with spare batteries. Drivers were particularly cautioned to be vigilant. In case of emergencies, residents were instructed to contact the fire department immediately.
In Podkarpacie, a supercell storm was observed, bringing heavy rainfall and large hail. The Storm Observers Network shared videos of these phenomena on social media, warning that more intense storms could develop in the following hours. Due to the severe weather conditions, around 1,700 customers in the Podkarpackie voivodeship experienced power outages. The Przemyski district recorded the highest number of fire brigade interventions, where the most intense rainfall and hail occurred.
As of 19:00 on April 18, 2025, firefighters had received over 300 reports related to the storm's aftermath, with the highest number coming from the Puławski district. Firefighters were deployed to remove fallen trees and branches, and there were reports of damaged roofs on residential and agricultural buildings, according to a spokesperson for the Lublin Voivodeship Fire Brigade.
In the Lublin Voivodeship, firefighters responded to fallen trees and branches, pumped out water 60 times, and addressed 40 reports of torn roofs. Hail was reported in Lochów Górny, located in the Biłgorajski district. Residents of the region received SMS alerts from the RCB stating: "Attention! Today and tonight (April 18-19), violent storms and strong winds are forecasted."
Earlier, the Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej (IMGW) had issued first and second-degree warnings for the same voivodeships. The storms may be accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. The IMGW warned residents to prepare for severe weather, especially in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, where warnings were in effect from Thursday afternoon until late at night.
Starting at 14:00 on April 18, 2025, for the western and central parts of the Podkarpackie region, and at 16:00 for the eastern parts, storms with intense rainfall (up to 25 mm), wind gusts up to 80 km/h, and local hail were anticipated. The probability of these phenomena occurring was estimated at 80%. The IMGW also issued hydrological warnings for the catchments of the Vistula tributaries and the Strwiąż River. In areas where storms occur, rapid increases in water levels on smaller rivers and in urban areas may lead to local flooding.
In Wrocław, a small storm passed through Sobótka around 16:00, then moved towards Kąty Wrocławskie. The storm was expected to reach Wrocław around 18:00 on April 18, 2025, although it was not anticipated to be severe. Meteorologists expect more significant thunderstorms in the city only after the holidays, with a first-degree warning for storms planned for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
On April 19, 2025, moderate to heavy cloud cover is expected across Poland, with occasional rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the northeast during the second half of the day. A total rainfall of up to 20 mm is forecast, with maximum temperatures ranging from 12-14 degrees Celsius in the north and west, around 20 degrees in the south and center, and 22-23 degrees Celsius in the northeast. Winds will be light to moderate, with gusts up to 65 km/h during storms.
Weather alerts from the IMGW cover nearly all of Poland, with the highest risks in central and southern regions. The agency has issued first-degree warnings for storms, indicating conditions favorable for dangerous meteorological phenomena that could cause material damage and pose threats to health and life. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain cautious and be prepared for potential difficulties due to the weather.
The ongoing climate crisis raises questions about the intensity and frequency of storms. According to the government document "Polityka ekologiczna państwa," climate change is expected to lead to increasingly severe winds and occasional tornadoes, which could significantly impact agriculture, construction, and energy and transport infrastructure. Scientists emphasize, however, that storms and tornadoes are complex phenomena, and it remains unclear how global warming will influence their strength and occurrence.
As the storms approach, residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and heed warnings from authorities. The situation remains dynamic, with meteorologists continuously monitoring conditions and providing timely information to ensure public safety.
