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Poland endures record June heat, water cuts and health alerts
Poland faced an unprecedented heatwave in late June 2026, with the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) recording new June temperature records of 38.9 °C in Słubice and up to 40 °C in several locations, surpassing the historic all‑time high of 40.2 °C set in 1921. Red (third‑degree) heat alerts were issued for multiple voivodeships, and forecasters warned of a rapid weather break with cooler air and strong thunderstorms expected.
The extreme temperatures strained water resources, leading to drastic drops in water pressure and intermittent supply cuts in several gminas, including Majdan Królewski, Nowy Wiśnicz, Radomyśl Wielki, Goworowo and others. Local authorities appealed for immediate water‑saving measures, prohibiting non‑essential uses such as garden irrigation and filling pools.
Health agencies issued advisories on the risks of heat‑related illness, dehydration and elevated ozone levels. The Main Inspectorate for Environmental Protection warned that ozone concentrations could exceed safe limits in the Mazowieckie region, posing respiratory hazards. Public guidance emphasized staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat, and using protective measures such as water curtains installed in towns like Jabłonna and Chotomów.
Additional measures included planned electricity outages in the Gostyń area to manage grid load, and widespread recommendations on diet, hydration and indoor cooling strategies to mitigate the health impacts of the heatwave.