Poland faces an extreme heat wave with temperatures near 40 °C

A nationwide heat alert of the highest, third degree, was issued for most of Poland, with forecasts of temperatures up to 42 °C and nighttime lows staying above 19 °C. Health officials warned that the extreme heat raises the risk of dehydration, heatstroke and cardiovascular strain, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.

Municipal authorities responded with a series of precautionary measures: several outdoor festivals in Szczawno‑Zdrój were cancelled, Kraków banned horse‑drawn carriages on the main market, and the National Museum in Warsaw temporarily closed some exhibitions. Cities such as Konin installed free drinking fountains and water‑mist curtains in public squares. The railway operator PKP Intercity announced fee‑free ticket refunds for journeys scheduled between 25‑30 June.

Public advice emphasized staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00, wearing light clothing and using sunscreen, and never leaving children or animals in parked vehicles where interior temperatures can quickly exceed 50 °C. Additional guidance on quickly cooling a car—venting hot air before turning on the air‑conditioner—was circulated online.

The heat wave also strained energy systems across Europe, prompting reduced output at French nuclear plants and schedule cuts on French rail services, highlighting broader implications for the continent’s power grid and transport infrastructure.