Poland is in utmost weather, which carries a double threat. On the 1 hand, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued second-degree warnings against heat waves, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius. On the another hand, the Forest investigation Institute alarms, marking almost the full country in red on the fire hazard map. This is simply a critical time in which health, life and nature depend on our safety. The services have called for peculiar consideration and ruthless adherence to the recommendations, as the cumulative hazard has been highest since the beginning of the year.
The heat wave hits primarily the central and western parts of the country, where orange alerts apply. However, advanced temperatures are felt throughout Poland, which combined with long-term deficiency of precipitation creates perfect conditions for the formation of fires. The situation is dynamic and experts stress that the next fewer days will be crucial. Any irresponsible behavior, specified as leaving a glass bottle in the forest or trying to start a fire, can lead to a disaster with hard to estimation effects.
IMGW Urgent Alert. Where will the heat wave hit to 37 degrees?
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management leaves no illusions – the coming days will bring utmost thermal conditions. Grade II (Orange) and Grade I (Yellow) warnings were issued, which includes a large part of Poland. The most hard situation is forecast in central and western voivodships, where mercury poles will fly to dangerous values.
According to the authoritative IMGW forecasts, on Wednesday the maximum temperature will scope from 29°C to up to 37°C in the hottest regions of the country. These are values that pose a direct wellness risk, especially for the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases. Orange alerts of the second degree apply, among others, in Lubuskie, Wielkopolska, Łódź, Mazowieckie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodship.
Thursday will only bring a slight relief. The maximum temperature is to be between 30°C and 36°C in the vast majority of the country. It will be cooler only on the coast (about 20°C) and in the Podhale and in the west (from 22°C to 29°C). The situation further worsens weak windwhich does not supply cooling and advanced humidity. The heat will feel even worse. Nights, alleged tropical nights, will besides be dangerous erstwhile the minimum temperature does not fall below 19-20°C, preventing the body from regeneration.
Red alert in the woods. utmost fire threat across Poland
The heat is only 1 side of the medal. The second equally serious threat is extreme hazard of forest fires. The Forest investigation Institute has published an updated fire hazard map, which leaves no uncertainty – almost the full of Poland is marked in red, meaning “big threat”.
Why the risk? This is the consequence of a combination of respective factors. First of all, high temperatures They rapidly dry the forest litter, which becomes flammable material. Secondly, long-term absence of crucial rainfall made the humidity of the litter fall to a critically low level. In specified conditions, 1 spark is adequate – from a cigaret cigarette butt, a heated car silencer or a glass bottle acting like a lens – to origin a fire that will spread rapidly.
Foresters emphasize that 9 out of 10 forest fires are man-made. In the present situation, with specified a large threat, anyone entering the forest must be aware of his responsibility. State forests and individual overforestation, specified as Sülechów Forestry in Lubuskie Voivodeship, made peculiar appeals to residents and tourists, asking for the utmost care.
How do you behave in the woods? The forest calls for reason
Due to the full summertime period and utmost fire hazard, foresters remind of fundamental safety principles. Their adherence is not a suggestion, but a work on which the destiny of Polish forests depends. Remember that in forest areas and up to 100 metres from the forest border, open fire is strictly prohibited.
These are the key principles that must be kept in mind:
- Do not usage open fire: The ban not only applies to the burning of fires, but besides to the usage of grills, cigaret smoking, and matches. Fires can only be lit in places designated by the forestry.
- Do not drive your vehicle into the forest: decision only on public roads and forest parks. A heated catalyst or exhaust tube in contact with dry grass or litter may origin a fire immediately.
- Take the trash with you: Especially dangerous glass bottles and jars. On a sunny day, they act like lenses, focusing the sun's rays and can start a fire.
- Respond erstwhile you see a threat: If you announcement smoke or fire in the forest, alert the fire department immediately by calling the number 998 or 112. Give the most accurate location, e.g. the number of the branch post.
Each of these recommendations aims at minimising the risks that have now been highest in years. Ignoring these rules is not only a deficiency of responsibility, but besides an action that can have tragic consequences for the ecosystem and public security.
Not just the heat and the fires. What are the consequences for health?
Extreme heat carries a direct threat to our wellness and life. advanced temperatures burden the cardiovascular strategy and the respiratory system, which can lead to serious complications. Children, seniors and those suffering from heart disease, hypertension or diabetes are the most vulnerable.
The most common wellness risks associated with heat are dehydration, overheating, heat stroke and sunstroke. The symptoms that should concern us are severe pain and dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, hot and dry skin and impaired consciousness. If specified symptoms occur, search medical advice immediately.
In order to last the heat wave safely, respective basic principles must be followed. First of all, Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirst – minimum 2-3 liters a day. Avoid going outside in the hours of the top sunshine, between 11:00 and 5:00. If you gotta leave, wear light, breathable clothes, headgear and sunglasses. Remember besides those in request of care in your surroundings – check whether your older neighbors or household members feel well and have access to water.
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Poland in the danger zone. Heat to 37 degrees and red alert in the woods
