Polish heat wave spikes water use, triggers blackouts and fuels cooling strategies

Record-breaking temperatures across Poland have driven a surge in demand for cooling and water. In Łowicz, portable fans became scarce as residents sought relief from 40 °C heat. Meteorologists warned that the extreme heat could return in early July, forming a new “heat dome” over the country.

Authorities and businesses responded with a range of measures. Zamość installed water curtains, drinking‑water barrels and public fountains, while gardeners in the Świętokrzyskie region promoted pergolas, awnings and heat‑resistant furniture. The Polish Water Utility in Szczecin reported a 35 % increase in water consumption during the recent hot weekend, producing a record 159 680 m³ of water.

Power outages affected several cities, including Szczecin, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Wrocław, Kraków and Warsaw, as high temperatures strained the electrical grid. Experts noted that hot, concrete‑filled urban areas can experience ground temperatures above 60 °C, raising the risk of heat‑related illnesses.

Health officials continue to advise the ABC rule – Avoid sun, Be hydrated, Cool down – and stress that children, seniors and outdoor workers are most vulnerable. Simple actions such as using curtains, drinking small sips of water, and providing shallow bird water dishes are recommended to mitigate the heat’s impact on people, animals and plants.