On Sunday morning, September 8, 2024, the Vistula River in Warsaw reached its lowest recorded water level since measurements began, with the water gauge showing a mere 25 centimeters. This alarming figure surpasses the previous record of 26 centimeters, set just the day before. The Vistula’s decline has been consistent, dropping from 29 centimeters on Thursday, to 28 on Friday, and then reaching its record low on Saturday evening.
This drop in water levels is part of a worrying trend, as noted by climate expert Zbigniew Karaczun from the Climate Coalition on TVN24: “Despite what appeared to be favorable weather conditions this year, with a good winter and spring, the recent weeks have shown that we must prepare for a water shortage in Poland.” He stressed that more should be done to retain water in the ecosystem, citing a lack of action and urgency to address the effects of climate change.
The situation is particularly evident in Warsaw, where ferry services on the Vistula have been disrupted. Jan Piotrowski, the plenipotentiary for the Vistula River, explained that the increased development of passenger shipping, combined with the river’s natural fluctuations, has made such interruptions more noticeable. He emphasized that the Vistula, being largely unregulated, is susceptible to significant changes in water levels, with the riverbed constantly shifting due to erosion and natural processes.
Hydrological experts like Michał Sikora of IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) warn that the drought conditions are widespread across Poland. “Sixty-nine percent of water gauge stations across the country are recording low water levels, with only four percent of rivers in the high water zone,” Sikora reported. Unfortunately, there is little hope for immediate improvement, as forecasters predict continued high temperatures and minimal precipitation in the coming days, likely worsening the situation.
As Poland faces the increasing impacts of climate change, experts and officials stress the urgent need for adaptation measures to manage water resources effectively. Without action, the frequency of such droughts will likely continue to rise, leaving rivers like the Vistula at risk.
