IMGW Issues Frost Alerts and Hazard Forecasts for Poland

The Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued several weather alerts and hazard forecasts for various regions in Poland on April 25, 2024. In the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, a first-degree storm warning is in effect from 12:00 to 19:00, with thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rainfall of 10-20 mm, wind gusts up to 75 km/h, and possible hail. IMGW has also issued a frost warning for several counties in the region, valid from 22:00 on April 24 to 08:00 on April 25, with temperatures expected to drop to around -2°C and near the ground to -4°C.

In the Opolskie Voivodeship, IMGW-PIB has issued a first-degree thunderstorm warning for several counties, including brzeski, kluczborski, krapkowicki, namysłowski, nyski, oleski, Opole, opolski, and prudnicki. These areas can expect thunderstorms with heavy rainfall of 10-20 mm, wind gusts up to 75 km/h, and a possibility of hail. Additionally, a first-degree frost warning has been issued for the counties of brzeski, nyski, and prudnicki, with temperatures expected to drop to around -1°C and ground temperatures reaching -3°C. The nyski county is also under a first-degree icing warning, with freezing of wet road and sidewalk surfaces expected after rain, sleet, or wet snow.

Fruit growers in the Świętokrzyskie region are facing significant crop losses due to the unexpected late frosts. After the trees bloomed, a wave of cold weather hit, leaving much of the fruit blackened and unfit for consumption. One fruit grower with 9 hectares of crops reported that 60-70% of his plums, apples, pears, and cherries might not be suitable for sale. Farmers have been working through the night, spraying crops to create protective layers of ice, but these measures have proven insufficient this year. Another grower with 4 hectares of crops lost a significant portion of his harvest after his friend fell asleep and missed the critical time for frost protection.

Meteorologists warn that the frosts may continue, with snowfall expected in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Fruit growers remain at risk until a predicted warm-up by next Friday. The IMGW's weather alerts and hazard forecasts serve as a crucial tool for residents and authorities to stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of the severe weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

• IMGW issued storm, frost, and icing warnings in several Polish regions on April 25, 2024.
• Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail expected in Kuyavian-Pomeranian and Opolskie Voivodeships.
• Frost warnings in Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Opolskie, and Świętokrzyskie regions, with temperatures down to -4°C.
• Fruit growers in Świętokrzyskie face significant crop losses due to unexpected late frosts.
• Meteorologists warn of continued frosts and snowfall, posing risks to agriculture and public safety.