# Extreme weather and energy security in Poland and MiddleEast > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-weather-and-energy-security-in-poland-and-middleeast > Updated: 2026-08-18T11:53:02.000Z. Sources: 79. Developments: 3. Extreme weather patterns have impacted multiple regions, specifically in the Middle East and Poland. In early August, the Middle East experienced severe heatwaves with temperatures in countries such as Iran, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE approaching or exceeding 50°C. Simultaneously, Poland prepared for an atmospheric front expected to bring storms, heavy rain, and potential hail. By mid-August, the situation in Poland evolved to include discussions on energy security alongside volatile weather. While the country has worked to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas, concerns remain regarding dependence on other foreign raw materials. This energy discussion coincided with a significant weather shift in Poland, where a heatwave peaking at 39°C was followed by an atmospheric front bringing heavy rain, storms, and a sharp temperature drop to as low as 15°C. Following these shifts, Poland recorded a peak temperature of 40.6°C in Kołuda Wielka. Despite the heat, PGE GiEK confirmed that major power plants, including Bełchatów, Opole, Turow, and Rybnik, remained highly available due to the use of closed cooling systems. Technical services have maintained increased readiness to monitor cooling and ventilation systems to ensure national grid stability. Meteorological forecasts from IMGW-PIB indicate a low probability of further heatwaves before the end of August, with temperatures expected to remain below normal for the following two weeks. While September may be warmer than average, extreme anomalies are not currently predicted, though brief heat spikes may occur in southern regions like Silesia and Małopolska. ## Claims - The probability of another heatwave appearing in Poland by the end of August is very low. (single source) - The next two weeks will bring a predominance of temperatures below the norm. (single source) - September is expected to be warmer than usual, but without particularly large anomalies. (single source) - Heatwaves have not affected the availability of power units in Bełchatów, Opole, Turow, and Rybnik. (single source) - A total of 29 units in Bełchatów, Opole, Turow, and Rybnik operate using closed cooling systems with cooling towers. (single source) - Technical services at Bełchatów and other PGE GiEK plants are operating at an increased state of readiness. (single source) - Heat accumulates in building partitions, including the roof, walls, and ceilings, during heatwaves. (single source) - The roof is a critical component in the technical system used to limit heat entering a building. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Poland manages heatwave impacts on energy grid and weather After record heat in Poland, PGE GiEK reports stable power plant availability via closed cooling systems, while weather forecasts predict a return to cooler temperatures through August. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-manages-heatwave-impacts-on-energy-grid-and-weather ### 2026-08-11: Poland faces energy security challenges and extreme weather shifts Poland faces energy security concerns due to resource import dependence and extreme weather shifts, including intense heatwaves followed by sudden cooling and storms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-faces-energy-security-challenges-and-extreme-weather-shifts ### 2026-08-06: Extreme weather: Heatwaves in Middle East and storms approaching Poland Extreme weather alerts: Heatwaves in the Middle East are approaching 50°C, while Poland faces incoming storms, heavy rain, and planned power outages due to modernization works. 76 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-braces-for-severe-thunderstorms-following-heatwave --- Cite as: Extreme weather and energy security in Poland and MiddleEast. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-weather-and-energy-security-in-poland-and-middleeast