First August snowfall in 15 years recorded in the High Tatras, Poland

Poland’s High Tatras Mountains recorded their first August snowfall in 15 years on August 24, 2025, as temperatures dropped to -3°C (26.6°F) under the influence of an Arctic air mass.

The snowfall began on the night of August 23 and continued into August 24, following the arrival of cold air sweeping across Poland over the weekend.

At the summit of Kasprowy Wierch (1 987 m / 6 519 feet), temperatures dipped to -3°C (26.6°F) overnight, resulting in localized snow accumulation. While snowfall can occur in any month at the highest elevations of the Polish Tatras, the last recorded August event was in 2010. An even earlier occurrence was noted in July 2011.

Forecasters expect a rise in temperatures by midweek due to warmer southern air flows reaching the region, making it unlikely that the snow cover will persist beyond a few days.

The Tatra Mountains form the natural border between Slovakia and Poland and represent the highest section of the Carpathian range.

The mountains span approximately 750 km² (290 mi²), with the majority, around 600 km² (232 mi²), located in Slovakia. The highest peak, Gerlach (2 655 m / 8 710 feet), lies north of Poprad. Poland’s highest peak, Rysy (2 499 m / 8 200 feet), is situated near the Slovak border.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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