Warsaw smashes 121-year heat record

29 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Warsaw heat record broken as temperatures hit 37.5°C, with tropical nights and further high heat expected.

Sunday afternoon set a new Warsaw heat record when the national weather service recorded 37.5°C at 15:00. The following night offered little relief as temperatures did not drop below 24°C.

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How it happened and where the numbers came from

IMGW sensors logged 37.5°C in Warsaw at 15:00. Consequently, the reading exceeded the 1904 high of 37.1°C. Moreover, several other Polish towns saw unprecedented highs that same day. For example, Słubice reached 40.5°C and Toruń 40.3°C. However, the Słubice value still needs final verification by the institution.

Local impacts and the urban heat island

The city felt hotter than the numbers suggested. In addition, concrete and asphalt released heat through the night. Therefore, central districts like Śródmieście stayed warmer than parks and suburbs. As a result, many residents endured a so-called tropical night, when the temperature never fell below 20°C.

Warsaw heat record: what this means for residents

Emergency services warned of health risks, especially for the elderly and children. In addition, medical staff urged people with heart conditions to avoid exertion. Consequently, hospitals and clinics prepared for more heat-related cases. Moreover, city cooling points and fountains attracted many people seeking relief.

Forecast and why it matters for expats

Forecasters say the heat wave will continue into Monday. However, temperatures should ease to about 32°C by Tuesday in Warsaw. In addition, many regions face alerts with highs of 35–39°C. Therefore, this event shows how extreme weather now arrives more often in Poland than before.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are new to Poland, watch the weather updates and follow local advice. In an emergency, call 112. Also, public health care is run by the NFZ (national health insurer), which covers urgent treatment for insured residents. You may need a PESEL number (your national ID number) to register for some services, and ZUS handles state social insurance like sick pay. Finally, never leave vulnerable people or pets in cars; police can issue a mandat (fine) for endangering life.

Practical coping tips include staying hydrated and avoiding the sun between 11:00 and 17:00. Moreover, prefer early morning or evening walks for exercise. In addition, close curtains on sunny windows and use the coolest room for rest. Therefore, plan errands for cooler hours when possible.

Cultural notes matter too. Many shops and offices adjust opening hours in heat waves. Consequently, restaurants may offer shaded outdoor seating or cooling sprays. Also, public transport can feel much warmer than outdoor readings due to crowding and poor ventilation.

Finally, record-breaking days like this change daily life. Moreover, they affect energy use and public services. Therefore, follow official warnings and check local media for verified updates.

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