As the long May weekend approaches, Poland braces for a significant shift in weather patterns starting May 2, 2025. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued warnings for severe weather including rain, strong winds, hail, and thunderstorms that could disrupt holiday plans across the country.
According to Grzegorz Walijewski, a spokesperson for IMGW, "On Friday, caution is particularly advised in the central, western, and northern parts of the country." The weather disturbances are expected to roll in with a cold atmospheric front, which will bring increased cloud cover and rainfall, making for a stark contrast to the sunny conditions experienced just a day prior.
Weather alerts have been categorized into first (yellow) and second (orange) degree warnings, with the latter covering several voivodeships including Wielkopolskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, and Łódzkie. Specific districts within Mazowieckie are also under second-degree alerts due to anticipated severe storms.
On May 2, the warmest day of the holiday weekend, temperatures are expected to soar beyond 20 degrees Celsius in nearly all of Poland, with the western regions potentially reaching 26-27 degrees Celsius. However, despite the warmth, the threat of thunderstorms looms large. Walijewski highlighted that "the strongest storms are anticipated from Żuławy to Silesia, with wind gusts possibly reaching up to 90 km/h and rainfall amounts of 20 mm." Hail could also accompany these storms, raising concerns for both personal safety and property damage.
As the storms approach, the IMGW is advising residents and travelers to remain alert and monitor updates on weather conditions. The first signs of storms will appear on the morning of May 2 in the northwestern regions, particularly in West Pomeranian and Lubuskie voivodeships, where the initial weak storms will likely start.
In addition to the storms, there is a risk of frost overnight on May 1 in eastern and southern Poland, with ground temperatures potentially dropping to minus 2 degrees Celsius in affected areas. Alerts for these frosts have been issued for the Podlaskie, Lublin, Podkarpackie, and Małopolskie voivodeships, where residents are advised to take precautions against the cold.
As the weather system progresses, Saturday, May 3, is expected to continue the trend of unsettled weather, particularly in southern Poland where second-degree warnings will again be in effect. The storms will gradually weaken by the morning of May 3, but not before causing potential disruptions.
On May 3, temperatures will still be warm but not as high as on May 2, with coastal areas experiencing cooler conditions, peaking only at 16 degrees Celsius. The most significant temperature drop will be on May 4, when the mercury is expected to fall below 15-16 degrees Celsius across most of the country, with northern regions experiencing temperatures as low as 9-12 degrees Celsius.
Artur Surowiecki, an expert with the IMGW and president of the Skywarn Polska Association, warned that "locally, storms may develop into supercells with heavy hail and strong winds." He noted that while the probability of tornado formation is low, it is still a possibility that residents should prepare for, especially on May 3.
The IMGW's forecasts indicate that the last day of the long weekend, May 4, will bring even more rain, particularly in mountainous regions, where up to 13 mm of precipitation is expected. The overall weather pattern suggests that the May holiday may not be as relaxing as many had hoped, with numerous weather warnings and alerts in place.
In summary, the weather forecast for the May holiday weekend in Poland is marked by significant fluctuations, with the warmest day being May 2, but with a backdrop of thunderstorms and potential frosts. Travelers are encouraged to plan accordingly and stay updated on the latest weather developments to ensure their safety and enjoyment during this holiday period.
