Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across Poland This Weekend

Severe thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to sweep across Poland on Friday, April 18, 2025, with significant alerts issued for multiple voivodeships, including Silesia. The Government Security Center (RCB) has advised residents to stay indoors if possible and to move vehicles to safer locations as a precaution against the predicted severe weather.

On Friday afternoon, residents in various counties of Silesia received SMS alerts from the RCB warning them of the impending storms. The message read, "Attention! Today and tonight (April 18/19), severe thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast. During the storm, seek safe shelter." This alert is part of a broader initiative to ensure public safety during adverse weather conditions.

The RCB also issued recommendations to secure outdoor items that could be swept away by strong winds, ensure the safety of pets, prepare backup lighting such as flashlights, and exercise caution while driving. The warnings come as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued both first and second-degree alerts for thunderstorms with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 100 km/h.

Specifically, a second-degree warning is in effect for counties including Częstochowa, Kłobuck, Lubliniec, Myszków, Tarnowskie Góry, Będzin, Zawiercie, Dąbrowa Górnicza, and Częstochowa. This warning predicts very heavy rainfall, with totals ranging from 20 mm to 35 mm, and in some areas, up to 40 mm, alongside gusts of wind reaching 85 km/h, and potential hail and tornadoes.

For the remaining counties in Silesia, a first-degree warning is applicable, forecasting heavy rainfall of up to 25 mm and wind gusts of 75 km/h. This warning is valid from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on April 18, with an estimated 80% probability of experiencing atmospheric phenomena.

As the day progresses, a cold front will move across the country, bringing with it a significant change in weather patterns. According to meteorologist Damian Zdonek from tvnmeteo.pl, most areas will experience substantial cloud cover with intermittent rain. The cold front is expected to displace warm tropical air currently lingering over Poland with cooler polar air from the Atlantic.

In the afternoon, thunderstorms are likely to develop across several voivodeships, including Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, Świętokrzyskie, Lubelskie, Mazowieckie, and Łódzkie. These storms may initially occur in isolation but will likely organize into more extensive structures as they move toward the center of the country, resulting in prolonged weather events.

By midnight, the frontal zone will stretch from Pomerania through Warmia and Mazury to Mazowsze and Lubelszczyzna, where weaker storms may bring heavy rainfall. Isolated storms are also anticipated in western and northern Poland, though these will generally be less intense.

Videos circulating on social media have already shown the impact of the storms, with footage from Podkarpacie displaying hail accumulation reminiscent of winter. The IMGW has warned that tornadoes may occur locally in this region, raising concerns for public safety.

In addition to the severe weather warnings, hydrological alerts have been issued for rapid increases in water levels in several voivodeships, including Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, and significant portions of Świętokrzyskie. These warnings are particularly relevant for urban areas where localized flooding may occur due to intense and sporadic rainfall.

As Friday unfolds, temperatures will vary across the country, with maximums ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius in the west and 25 to 29 degrees Celsius in the central and eastern regions where warm air persists. However, as the cold front advances, temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

In the evening, thunderstorms will continue to develop, potentially bringing rainfall of 30-40 mm and wind gusts of up to 85 km/h. The likelihood of local tornadoes remains a concern, particularly in southern and central Poland.

Looking ahead to Saturday, April 19, weather conditions may begin to stabilize, but the potential for storms remains, particularly in the northeastern regions. Rainfall amounts could reach up to 20 mm, with wind gusts of 65-70 km/h.

As residents brace for the storms, the RCB and IMGW continue to emphasize the importance of safety measures, urging individuals to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. The situation will be closely monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary.

In summary, the upcoming days promise to bring significant weather challenges for many regions of Poland, with strong storms, heavy rainfall, and potential tornadoes posing risks to public safety.