Poland shifts into low gear for long, hot weekend

With the Corpus Christi public holiday on Thursday, many workplaces have given their employees time off to enjoy what was another long weekend in the country this spring.

As the mercury was expected to pass the 30 degrees Celsius mark in many parts of the country, experts were urging the public to avoid excessive exposure to the scorching sun.

The Government Security Centre has said that people should drink a lot of water, avoid venturing outdoors unless necessary, refrain from exercise and not to drink alcohol, which causes dehydration.

Doctors said senior citizens and people with circulatory problems were among those especially at risk.

Meanwhile, the country’s Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and possible hailstorms in some areas.

Police have stepped up checks and appealed to drivers to keep their speed down and stay alert behind the wheel as roads swarmed with traffic destined for the seaside and popular resorts.

Seventy-two people were killed and 1,081 injured in 850 road accidents nationwide when Poles travelled en masse during an extended holiday break a month earlier, according to police statistics.

(gs/pk)