Threat of extreme weather: weekend forecast
In Ukraine on August 17 and 18, 2026, forecasters predict a sharp deterioration in weather conditions. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, the country will be hit by powerful thunderstorm fronts, which may be accompanied by dangerous phenomena. In some regions, gusty winds with speeds up to 20 m/s are expected, as well as hail. Such weather poses risks to infrastructure and public safety, requiring heightened vigilance.
The weather situation remains unstable: after a brief cooling that swept the country at the beginning of the week, temperatures began to rise again. In some regions, thermometer readings have already reached +33°C, creating ideal conditions for the formation of convective clouds and subsequent downpours.
Map of adverse weather spread: who is at risk
On August 17, in the second half of the day and until the end of the day, thunderstorms are forecast for most western and northern regions of Ukraine. The Vinnytsia region is also in the risk zone. Forecasters warn that in these regions, thunderstorms may be accompanied by squalls with speeds of 15–20 m/s and hail. Residents of these areas should pay special attention to weather warnings.
The bad weather will not subside on August 18 either. Thunderstorms will remain in the west of the country, and during the day they will spread to the northern regions, as well as to the Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Odesa, and Mykolaiv regions. Locally, forecasters again predict hail and squalls up to 15–20 m/s. This means that for two days, a significant part of Ukraine's territory will be under the influence of extreme weather phenomena.
Impact on infrastructure and transport
The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center warns that such weather conditions can seriously complicate the work of energy, construction, and utility enterprises. Gusty winds can damage power lines, leading to local power outages. Construction work on open sites will likely be suspended due to the risk of falling objects and equipment.
In addition, the bad weather will affect traffic. Downpours and hail reduce visibility on the roads, and gusty winds create a danger for high-profile trucks and buses. Drivers are advised to follow safety rules, reduce speed, and be ready for sudden changes in road conditions.
Recommendations for the population
During a thunderstorm, residents are urged to follow safety rules and be especially careful. It is recommended to avoid being under trees, in open spaces, and near tall objects. In case of strong wind, you should close windows and doors and remove objects from balconies that could fall. In case of a hail warning, it is better to stay indoors and not go outside until the end of the dangerous phenomenon.
We remind you that after a brief cooling, heat will return to Ukraine again. Already at the beginning of this week, in some regions, the temperature will rise to +33 degrees, but from the middle of the week, a noticeable decrease in temperatures is expected. This indicates that the weather situation in the country remains unstable and requires constant monitoring of forecasts.
