Poland records highest-ever temperature amid heatwave

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Poland recorded its highest-ever temperature on Sunday, surpassing a national record that had stood for more than a century, although the reading is still awaiting official confirmation, according to the country's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).

IMGW spokesperson Agnieszka Prasek said temperatures reached 40.5 degrees Celsius in the western border town of Slubice and 40.3 degrees Celsius in Torun on Sunday during a severe heatwave sweeping across Central Europe, reported the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

The previous national record of 40.2 degrees Celsius was set in Proszkow, southern Poland, on July 29, 1921.

Prasek said the latest figures were based on hourly telemetry and operational data, while official weather stations record temperatures at designated observation times. The institute is still verifying the data.

The record-breaking readings came as IMGW issued its highest, third-level heat warnings for large parts of the country, forecasting temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius in some regions.

As the heatwave intensified, Polish authorities instructed government ministries to take immediate measures within their respective areas of responsibility. Firefighters and police were placed on heightened alert over increased wildfire risks and water-related accidents, while the Health Ministry stepped up monitoring of heatstroke and dehydration cases, particularly among the elderly and children. The Foreign Ministry was also tasked with assisting Polish citizens abroad, especially those in France and the United States.