Downpours over Poland intensify. Are we facing a flood threat?

We reported on the difficult weather conditions in Poland already on Monday, but the situation and forecasts are changing day by day. What does it look like today? We check where IMGW-PIB forecasts the heaviest downpours, which regions have already been hit by storms, and what the current water levels in flood control reservoirs are.

Do the latest forecasts give reason for optimism?

By July 8, 2025, IMGW-PIB had issued 99 hydrological warnings related to the exceeding of warning or alarm levels and rapid rises in water levels. The most serious situation prevails in Upper Silesia, the mountainous areas of Małopolska, and the Świętokrzyskie Mountains – these regions are under Level 3 warnings. However, not all areas have been affected by heavy rainfall – hydrological drought warnings have been issued for some counties in Greater Poland, Lubusz Land, and Western Pomerania.

According to IMGW-PIB data, more rainfall is expected in the regions already most at risk. Over the next 24 hours, total rainfall in the Podkarpackie, Małopolskie, and Świętokrzyskie voivodeships may reach 50 mm, and in the foothills of the Carpathians and Beskids – even 60–70 mm. The Silesian Voivodeship, despite being under hydrological warnings, is not expected to experience downpours. There, rainfall totals are not forecasted to exceed 20 mm.

Rainfall is still expected on Thursday and Friday, but it will no longer be of torrential nature. The maximum rainfall will reach 40 mm in Podkarpacie and 30 mm in the remaining eastern part of Poland.

The situation on Polish rivers is quite serious, but there is currently no cause for alarm. According to measurements taken on the morning of July 9, 2025, the alarm level has been exceeded at only one monitoring station – on the Sękówka in Gorlice (Podkarpackie Voivodeship). Warning levels have been recorded on the Biała, Dunajec, Bobrza, Białka, and Biały Dunajec rivers (all in the Małopolskie Voivodeship). In most cases, the water level is several dozen centimeters below the alarm threshold, but significant water level increases – even over 1 meter – are being observed.

900 firefighter interventions, scout camps evacuated

The effects of this year’s Genoa low are significantly less severe than those observed in September of last year. However, this does not mean there are no problems. On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the fire brigade responded to as many as 900 incidents, mostly in the Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, Śląskie, and Lubelskie voivodeships. Reports primarily concerned fallen trees, damaged buildings, and flooded basements. As many as 90 out of 100 scout camps in areas under hydrological warnings were evacuated.

What did we learn from the crisis staff briefing?

Due to the heavy rainfall and storms, the government convened a crisis staff meeting with the participation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the ministers of national defense, infrastructure, internal affairs and administration, as well as the government plenipotentiary for the flood recovery program. The Prime Minister and ministers emphasized that the situation is under control. However, due to the possibility of local flooding, all relevant services – including the Territorial Defense Forces – remain on full alert. According to forecasts, the threat will not come from major rivers but from their tributaries, especially in mountainous and heavily urbanized areas.

Polish Waters – there is capacity in flood control reservoirs

Polish Waters provides daily updates on current water levels in flood control reservoirs. As of July 8, 2025, all 52 wet reservoirs can hold more than 1 billion m³ of water. Their reserve exceeds the water management instructions by 400 million m³. Additionally, 30 dry reservoirs in southern Poland are able to receive 277 million m³ of water, with the Racibórz reservoir accounting for 240 million m³. Currently, the dry reservoirs are not storing water but are prepared to do so if needed. Staff at the Polish Waters Flood Protection Operational Centers remain on heightened alert. They are on duty 24/7 and in constant contact with emergency response services.

As a side note, it’s worth taking a closer look at how dry and wet flood control reservoirs differ and how water is managed in crisis situations. We encourage you to read our article on water retention infrastructure management.