Warsaw. Vistula River may reach record low

Forecast models indicate that water will decrease. The hydrologist emphasized that this situation results from the lack of significant precipitation, very high temperature and lower water level in the Vistula River basin.

According to the hydrologist, at the beginning of the weekend the water level in the Vistula River in Warsaw could reach a record 26 centimeters, and on Sunday it could fall below the 2015 record and reach about 25 centimeters.

SEE: Not enough water in the Vistula River, Warsaw ferries are not running.

– Since 2015, we have been dealing with the effects of hydrological drought, which occurs cyclically. Considering the fact that in recent years we have seen increased development of passenger shipping in the capital, more and more vessels, and consequently more people willing to travel, such crises are much more visible. Most vessels sailing on the Warsaw section of the Vistula are traditional boats, which are flat-bottomed and prepared for cyclical changes in the water level in the river – this is how Jan Piotrowski, the plenipotentiary of the President of Warsaw for the Vistula, commented on the interruption in ferry service. – We are talking about a river that is basically not regulated. The fact that one year a ferry sailed on such a route does not mean that it will sail exactly the same way next year. The bottom is constantly subject to erosion, various things come with the floods, and obstacles on the bottom move. We struggle with this situation every year and the truth is that the climate is changing, water is decreasing, and human interference in nature and natural processes cause such droughts to occur.

SEE ALSO: Vistula River uncovers 17th-century cannons.

The hydrologist said that the situation on other rivers in the country is also not good. 69 percent of water gauge stations record the low water zone, which is less than usual. 27 percent of rivers are in the medium water zone, and only four percent are in the high water zone.

– We have 44 warnings of hydrological drought – said Sikora.

Asked about the outlook for the coming days, he replied that forecasters do not currently see “significant prospects for improving this situation.” On the contrary, due to high temperatures and lack of precipitation, the situation “will worsen in the coming days.”

SEE: Treasures that the Vistula gave back. Swedish loot, Kierbedź Bridge.

Sikora emphasized that low water levels and droughts are a problem for agriculture, animals and plants. Also for shipping, inland transport and water tourism. The consequences may also be felt by the energy sector and industry, especially those sectors that draw water from rivers. In the long term, lower water levels in rivers also result in lower groundwater levels, which may affect local water shortages, especially where water is drawn from shallow intakes.

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On Thursday, IMGW issued heat warnings of the first and second degree throughout the country. These warnings will remain in force until Monday. The warmest will be in the west of the country, up to 32 degrees Celsius. Numerous warnings of hydrological drought issued by IMGW at the end of June also remain in force. They apply primarily in the eastern part of Poland.

Drought is occurring in 14 Polish voivodeships. The largest water shortages are recorded in the Mazowieckie, Podlaskie and Lubelskie voivodeships – informed the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG). From July 1 to August 31, 2024, the largest agricultural drought occurred among silage maize crops. It was recorded in 406 communes (16.3 percent of Polish communes).