As spring settles in, the weather across Poland is set to brighten with warmer temperatures and the possibility of thunderstorms. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the forecast indicates a significant rise in temperatures, with varying conditions across different regions of the country.
According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), eastern and southeastern Europe is currently under the influence of a high-pressure system originating from Ukraine. Meanwhile, the rest of the continent remains affected by low-pressure systems located over the Atlantic, Corsica, and Scandinavia. Poland, in particular, finds itself in the reach of a Scandinavian low-pressure trough, which is causing a mix of weather patterns.
"Poland is in an area of reduced pressure associated with the Christian and Darius lows over the Atlantic," stated meteorologist Arleta Unton-Pyziołek. As a result, residents can expect a day characterized by total cloud cover in the southwestern regions, where intermittent rainfall of 2-5 liters per square meter is anticipated. In some southern areas, rainfall may reach as much as 5-10 liters per square meter.
Conversely, northeastern Poland is expected to experience a relatively clear day, though clouds will begin to accumulate in the afternoon. Low clouds are likely to persist along the Baltic Sea and coastal regions for most of the day.
The maximum temperatures throughout the country will vary significantly. In the southeast, temperatures are projected to reach 16-17 degrees Celsius, while most areas will experience highs around 20 degrees Celsius. In the northwestern parts and certain central locations, temperatures may even climb to 22 degrees Celsius. However, the coastal town of Hel will remain cooler, with temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius, and mountain basins will see a maximum temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius.
Wind conditions will also play a role in the day's weather. A weak to moderate breeze is expected, with gusts potentially reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h in the west. Coastal areas may experience stronger winds from the southeast and east. In the Carpathians and Sudetes, gusts could reach up to 80 and 90 km/h, respectively.
For residents in Warsaw, the forecast includes slight cloud cover that will gradually increase to larger cloud formations by the afternoon. The maximum temperature for the day in the capital is expected to be around 22 degrees Celsius, with initial weak winds escalating to moderate and gusty conditions from the southeast. At night, cloudiness will increase, and temperatures will drop to around 12 degrees Celsius, with a perceived temperature of about 8 degrees Celsius. There is also a 20% chance of thunderstorms.
In addition to the weather forecast, the IMGW has issued first-degree alerts for strong winds in the Silesian Voivodeship, particularly in the districts of Cieszyn, Bielsko, Bielsko-Biała, and Żywiec.
Meanwhile, air quality remains a crucial aspect for residents, especially in urban areas. As of 06:20 on April 15, 2025, there is no smog reported in Kielce, and the air quality is deemed good. The PM2.5 level stands at 68% of the norm (17 µg/m³), while PM10 is at 50% of the norm (20 µg/m³). These figures indicate a decrease in pollution levels.
Recent air quality readings show the following averages for the past week:
- April 15, 2025 - PM2.5: 17 µg/m³, PM10: 20 µg/m³
- April 14, 2025 - PM2.5: 9 µg/m³, PM10: 12 µg/m³
- April 13, 2025 - PM2.5: 13 µg/m³, PM10: 17 µg/m³
- April 12, 2025 - PM2.5: 18 µg/m³, PM10: 26 µg/m³
- April 11, 2025 - PM2.5: 17 µg/m³, PM10: 24 µg/m³
- April 10, 2025 - PM2.5: 7 µg/m³, PM10: 11 µg/m³
- April 9, 2025 - PM2.5: 8 µg/m³, PM10: 11 µg/m³
- April 8, 2025 - PM2.5: 9 µg/m³, PM10: 13 µg/m³
According to regulations established by the Ministry of Environment, the daily PM10 concentration level should not exceed 50 µg/m³ more than 35 days a year, and the annual average should not exceed 40 µg/m³. For PM2.5, the annual standard is set at 25 µg/m³, aligning with the World Health Organization's daily standard.
PM2.5 particles are particularly concerning as they are no larger than 2.5 μm and have been identified by the WHO as the most harmful atmospheric pollutants. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a reduction in life expectancy and increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
PM10, on the other hand, consists of particles with a diameter of up to 10 μm and is primarily associated with the combustion of solid and liquid fuels. This type of pollution can include toxic substances that are harmful to human health.
In 2016, smog was attributed to the deaths of approximately 19,000 residents in Poland, highlighting the ongoing air quality crisis. Polish cities invest over 2.5 billion PLN annually in environmental protection initiatives, with estimates suggesting that 52% of smog in the country stems from low emissions, particularly from household heating systems with poor emission parameters.
As Poland continues to grapple with air quality issues, the forecast for April 15, 2025, offers a glimpse of hope with good air quality in cities like Kielce and a promising weather outlook for the spring.
