African air mass sends North Macedonia into extreme heat, peak expected Thursday
UHMR warns of a peak on Thursday; UV index will reach 9 and overnight lows likely to stay above 22 °C in urban areas.
An African air mass will push North Macedonia into a critical heat period starting tomorrow (Tuesday), with the national Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR) forecasting a rapid rise in temperatures and a peak expected on Thursday.
UHMR predicts daytime maximums tomorrow will climb between 34 and 40 degrees, while the mercury in Skopje is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists warn the heat will intensify in the following days and that Thursday may bring readings above 41 degrees in the warmest areas, especially along the Vardar valley.
From tomorrow night urban zones will face so-called "tropical nights" when minimum temperatures do not fall below 22 degrees, and the UV index will reach an extreme value of 9. Health authorities urge strict adherence to preventive measures: avoid direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00, drink plenty of fluids and remain vigilant because of a very high risk of wildfires.
Regional hot spots and travel warnings
Greece is also entering a period of extreme heat with temperatures around and above 41 degrees and strong winds that complicate firefighting efforts. The situation is most critical on Crete (Rethymno region) and in the broader Athens area. Authorities there have raised the highest alert level; firefighting operations were further hampered after two firefighting helicopters collided during an intervention.
Albania’s Ionian and Adriatic coasts will be hit by the same African anticyclone: tourist centres such as Saranda, Ksamil, Vlora and Durrës should expect daytime highs of 38–41 degrees, while inland areas and the capital Tirana could see temperatures up to 42 degrees. Albanian meteorological services warned of a very high wildfire risk in the south and advised drivers heading to the beaches to take extra care because extreme heat increases the chance of vehicle breakdowns.
On the Adriatic coast the heat may reach 40 degrees, and parts of Bosnia and Serbia could face extreme values up to 45 degrees. Croatia and Montenegro are grappling with heavy border congestion: long queues and multi-hour waits at crossings—exacerbated by the rollout of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES)—have created significant travel delays. Travelers are advised not to set out without functioning air conditioning in their vehicles and adequate water supplies.
Photo: press material from the event
