A heat wave from the Sahara has hit Poland and will last at around five days, warns the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).

From Thursday the temperature in Poland will exceed 30 degrees, IMGW predicts. Hot and humid tropical air is expected to last several days and it will be followed by heavy rain and thunderstorms especially in the north-west part of the country.

Today, maximum temperature will reach 31 degrees but in the coastal region of Pomerania the temperature will be lower – 24-22 degrees. Wind will blow at 90 km/h.

“Heat can be dangerous. Try not to expose yourself to the sun and don’t exercise,” warns the deputy Chief Sanitary Inspector Przemyslaw Bilinski and advises to wear light, cotton clothes, hats and sun glasses and drink 2-3 litres of water and fruit juices and avoid alcohol. Those who go on a long walk should occasionally enter cool, air-conditioned buildings.

The temperature can be close to the record high temperature from June 2000, which was 36.9 degrees.

The tropical weather comes after weeks of flooding in Poland and will make conditions in areas which have suffered heavy rain over the last three weeks all the more uncomfortable, with mosquitoes and others insects being a particular problem. (mg)