Frost and first snow in the mountains; up to 20°C by the end of the week

A marked cold snap has reached Poland. On Tuesday the first snow fell in the Carpathians, above about 1,500 metres. Tonight will be coldest in the south-east, and a storm-surge warning is in force on the coast. The cold will not last long, though: by the end of the week temperatures in the west of the country could reach 20°C.

First snow in the mountains

In the Polish Carpathians only the Tatras and the highest peaks of the Beskids rise above 1,500 metres. Hikers heading for higher ground should expect slippery trails, icy rocks and quickly changing conditions. It is usually several degrees colder on the upper slopes than in the valleys, and the wind makes it feel colder still. Before setting out it is worth checking the mountain rescue services' updates, packing warmer clothes than you would need in the valleys and planning the route so as to be down before dark, which comes earlier and earlier at this time of year.

A frosty night in the south-east

On Tuesday night the coldest part of the country will be the south-east, at about −2°C and as low as −5°C at ground level. The difference arises because air temperature is normally measured 2 metres above the ground, while right at ground level it gets noticeably colder, especially on clear, still nights. In the morning drivers should watch for frost on windscreens and slippery roads, particularly on bridges, flyovers and in shaded spots. Frost in mid-October is nothing unusual in Poland, but after warm days it is easy to underestimate.

Warning on the coast

The IMGW weather service has issued a level 1 storm-surge warning for the coast, valid until Tuesday evening. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by strong winds pushing water towards the shore. Water can also be driven into river mouths. Such surges are typical of the Baltic in autumn and winter, when strong winds blow more often. Level 1 is the lowest on IMGW's three-level warning scale, but it is still best to stay off breakwaters and not to go too close to the water's edge.

Warmer at the end of the week

The chilly spell will not stay for long. Warmer air is expected to reach the west of the country first, where temperatures could climb to about 20°C around Friday. IMGW publishes detailed regional warnings as they are issued, so it is worth checking the latest forecast before travelling.

Tyres and gardens

For many drivers the first frosts are a signal to switch to winter tyres. Experts usually advise doing so when the average daily temperature stays below about 7°C, when summer tyres lose grip. Gardeners should cover sensitive plants or move pots somewhere warmer, because overnight ground frost can damage them even when the days are mild.