The end of June gave the people of Szczecin a literal scorching. A heatwave, record water use, storm warnings, road crews on several fronts and a city full of open-air events. A roundup of the most important happenings of recent days.
The end of June gave the people of Szczecin a literal scorching. A heatwave, storm warnings, road crews working several fronts at once, and a city full of open-air events. We have gathered the most important happenings of recent days in one place.
The heat poured down, the water flowed at record levels
High temperatures sent residents looking for relief. Water demand in the city hit record values and the supply network ran at full tilt. The street sprinkler also returned, cooling the baking roads for several hours each day over the weekend. Forecasters gave no respite: after days of full sun came a warning of storms, with wind gusts and heavy rain in the afternoon and evening hours.
Where to catch some cool? Tried and tested spots include the Arkoński Forest with the Arkonka bathing site, the cosy Dziewoklicz on the West Oder, the scenic Głębokie Lake on the city's edge, and the indoor Floating Arena for those who prefer to swim under a roof.
After the storm front, the emergency services moved in
The passing storm front meant a busy time for firefighters. Nationwide, close to half a thousand interventions linked to the violent weather were recorded. In Szczecin itself the services also had their hands full with incidents unrelated to the weather, including a report of escaping gas. Over the weekend firefighters and police ran intensified operations in the recreational areas by the water, where the heat drew crowds.
A city under renovation: check where the digging is
Szczecin is entering its road works season. On Emilii Plater Street another stage of work is under way, building a rainwater collector on the section between Miedziana and Firlika, while ground is being prepared for a new car park. The rebuilding of Powstańców Wielkopolskich Avenue is nearing completion, where besides a new roadway and pavements a cycle path will appear. In the background wait the investments that will redraw the city map for years, from a new crossing over the Oder to major road projects improving access to the port.
Resident matters worth taking care of
Consultations on the Szczecin Resident Card are still under way. Comments and ideas on what benefits it should offer can be submitted until 3 July, including via an online survey. The city also plans a new recreation and play zone near Wysoki Staw, another spot to rest from the urban bustle. A small but practical change also affected the Ekoport recycling points, which on Saturday operated on shortened hours.
A weekend full of music and the outdoors
Despite the heat the events calendar was bursting at the seams. Wyspa Grodzka turned into a dance floor during Summer Starter, and Fabryka Wody tempted visitors with loungers cinema and evening attractions. Here are the items that fired the city up the most:
Summer in Szczecin is hitting its stride. The coming days promise to be just as intense, so keep an umbrella, a bottle of water and the events calendar within reach.