Poland issues widespread heat‑wave alerts and new work‑temperature rules FAST-MOVING
Poland is experiencing an intense heat wave in early August 2026. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMG W) issued second‑degree heat‑wave warnings for most voivodeships on 3 August, with temperatures forecast up to 37 °C and, in some regions, up to 38 °C. Alerts cover large parts of the country, including Łódź, Greater Poland, Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, Subcarpathian, Lublin, Świętokrzyskie, Masovian and others, and remain in force until 5–6 August. Police warned that interior temperatures of parked cars can reach 60 °C, posing a danger to children, seniors and animals.
A new regulation published on 10 July 2026 will take effect on 11 January 2027. It obliges employers to stop work when indoor temperatures exceed 35 °C or when outdoor heavy work exceeds 32 °C, with lower thresholds (25 °C indoor, 28 °C outdoor) triggering additional protective measures. The rule applies to all sectors and will be enforced by labour inspections.
Local authorities have taken additional steps to protect vulnerable groups. Municipalities in Gostyń and other towns have installed public dog‑water stations, and municipal services advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours, and keep children and pets out of hot vehicles.
Entities: Gdańsk · Gostyń municipal authorities · Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) · Lower Silesian Voivodeship · Poland · Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW‑PIB) · Polish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy · Polish Police · Polish health authorities · Wielkopolskie Voivodeship
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Health authorities advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on vulnerable individuals during the heat wave. (Health advisories)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Yellow thunderstorm alerts were issued for the Silesian, Lesser Poland and Subcarpathian regions, warning of gusts up to 65 km/h and possible hail. (IMGW)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Night‑time temperatures are expected to stay between 18 °C and 22 °C in the warned regions. (IMGW forecasts)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach 30 °C–34 °C across most warned areas, with some southern locations expected to hit 35 °C–40 °C. (IMGW forecasts)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Record high temperatures are anticipated, potentially breaking historic summer heat records in Poland. (IMGW analysis)
- [● 8 SOURCES] IMGW issued second‑degree heat‑wave warnings for many Polish voivodeships on 3 August 2026, effective until 5–6 August. (IMGW)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A second-degree heat‑wave warning was also issued for the Gdańsk area from 4 August to 6 August, with temperatures forecast between 23 °C and 29 °C. (IMGW)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Employers have six months to prepare for the new heat‑work regulations. (Regulation text)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Temperatures in parts of Poland reached up to 37 °C in early August 2026. (IMGW forecasts)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police warned that interior temperatures of parked cars can reach 60 °C, endangering children, seniors and animals. (Polish police statements)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Doctors say extreme heat increases risk of dehydration, high blood pressure, heart‑rhythm disorders, strokes and thrombosis. (Medical experts)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A new Polish regulation effective 11 January 2027 requires employers to stop work when indoor temperatures exceed 35 °C or outdoor heavy work exceeds 32 °C. (Polish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy)