Poland battles severe cold as number of fatalities increases

Polish police reported on Monday, 2 February, that 41 people have died from hypothermia since early November, as much of the country endures a severe cold snap.

Due to the freezing temperatures, many towns across Poland have set up coal-fired heaters at bus stops to keep waiting passengers warm, as well as special tents where firefighters are offering hot drinks. In many areas, emergency services are also dealing with repairs to water and sewage systems.

PAP/Marian Zubrzycki/Tomasz Waszczuk

The National Police Headquarters confirmed that a recent post-mortem on one of the victims found hypothermia to be the cause of death.

Authorities have issued stark warnings that low temperatures pose a serious threat, particularly for the homeless, the elderly, those living alone, and people under the influence of alcohol.

“Do not remain indifferent. If you see someone at risk of hypothermia, call 112. One phone call can save a life,” the police urged.

AKTUALIZACJA !!!

Liczba osób zmarłych od początku listopada z powodu wychłodzenia wzrosła z 40 do 41.

Do Komendy Głównej Policji wpłynęły informacje o wynikach sekcji zwłok jednej osoby, która zmarła w ubiegłych dniach.

Sekcja wykazała, że przyczyną śmierci było wychłodzenie… pic.twitter.com/elLsiVzzxL

— Polska Policja 🇵🇱 (@PolskaPolicja) February 2, 2026

Communities across Poland are taking measures to protect residents from the cold. Coal-fired heaters have been installed at bus stops, while special tents, staffed by firefighters, provide hot drinks.

Emergency services are also dealing with disruptions to water and sewage systems in some areas.

Schools have been significantly affected by the cold. The Ministry of Education confirmed that, as of 12:30 p.m. local time on Monday, more than 330 schools had cancelled lessons due to extreme temperatures.

Read more on this topic:

• Poland's winter chill forces school closures in multiple regions

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Source: Polish Police/X/@PolskaPolicja