The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued a first-degree informing for Mazowieckie Voivodeship. Forecasts indicate that in the coming hours the region will be within scope of intense storms with dense rain, hot wind and local atmospheric discharges. Services call for caution, especially in roads and flood areas.
IMGW weather alert for Mazovia
According to data published by IMGW, present (21 May 2025) on the site Mazowieckie Voivodeship valid 1st degree meteorological warning in connection with the upcoming storms with intense rainfall.
“The storms are forecast to accompany them in places strong rainfall from 20 to 30 mm, and locally up to 40 mm, and wind gusts up to 70 km/h. Possible hail" – reads IMGW.
The informing applies primarily to afternoon and evening hours, erstwhile storm events will be most active.
Possible effects: flooding, traffic disturbances and power outages
According to meteorology analysis, specified a crucial amount of precipitation in a short time can lead to local floods of streets, basements and traffic difficulties. In urban areas, the biggest threat is overburdening the rainwater.
In addition, storms may accompany strong wind rushwhich may origin damage to power lines, cutting down branches and obstructions in rail transport. In the case of intense lightning discharges, there is simply a hazard of energy infrastructure failure, especially in suburban areas.
Where will the storms occur?
According to current radar forecast and IMGW numerical model:
- The storms will have local characterbut they are possible worsening in central and confederate Mazovia, including in Warsaw and districts: Piaseczyński, Grójecki, Otwocki and Minsk.
- The highest strength of phenomena is expected between the hr 16:00 a 22:00.
Based on radar data, rainfall zones decision from the south-west to the north-east. The atmospheric front carries advanced humidity and instability, conducive to violent convection.
Recommendations to residents
IMGW and the Government safety Center call for peculiar care. The inhabitants of Mazovia should:
- avoid parking cars under trees and power poles,
- secure moving objects on balconies and premises,
- avoid being in the open during the storm,
- check the way of gutters and drains to prevent flooding of buildings,
- follow weather messages and service warnings.
Travellers should check road conditions and plan the way taking into account possible obstacles.
Expert comment: "This is simply a typical phenomenon for the second half of May"
Explains dr inż. Krzysztof Mikula, climatologist from the University of Warsaw:
"May is simply a period in which violent atmospheric events occur, especially in lowland regions specified as Mazovia. fast storms are the consequence of fast increase in temperature and advanced humidity. Today's phenomena lie in the typical pattern of seasonal convection, but their strength may surprise unprepared people.”
The expert adds that akin phenomena may happen more frequently due to the changing climate and the increase in average air temperature in the Central Poland region.
Updates and monitoring
IMGW leads current weather monitoring and may, if necessary, update the informing to a higher level. Residents can usage the app RCB Alert, weather services and social accounts of public safety institutions.
Local authorities and municipal services stay on advanced alert.
Continued here:
Massive storm threats: IMGW warns against intense rainfall and possible flooding
