Cyclone from Genoa brings heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible severe storms to North Macedonia

A cyclone moving east from Genoa will trigger a significant change in the weather for North Macedonia beginning Wednesday afternoon, October 21. Cloud will increase from the west and the first showers are expected in western districts.

Forecasters say the heaviest precipitation — locally intense and sometimes torrential downpours accompanied by thunder and gusty winds — is expected on Thursday, October 22, especially in the afternoon and evening and continuing through the night into Friday. Additional showers are likely on the morning of Friday, October 23. Local cells may develop into severe storms.

Skopje and its surroundings will also receive rain during the same period, with episodes of heavier, more intense showers and conditions favourable for thunderstorms and strong wind.

Meteorological forecast and temperatures

Slavcho Poposki, the meteorologist who issued the bulletin, said: "For the duration of this cyclone and the wave of precipitation, locally in North Macedonia a notable amount of rain will fall (namely over 30 liters per square metre of rain).

In Skopje and its surroundings during the period mentioned above there will be rain which will at times be heavier and torrential and with conditions for thunderstorms and strong wind.

As regards temperatures, there will not be a major cooling of the weather, which means that temperatures remain as they are (relatively high and above the average for this time of year). A small drop in temperatures will occur on Friday (October 23) when a strong wind from the north and northwest will blow at times, most pronounced along the Vardar Valley and in the southeastern parts of North Macedonia," he said.

The meteorological outlook underlines the potential for localized flooding in places where torrential rain falls and for gusty winds that may cause damage or hazardous conditions, especially along the Vardar corridor and in southeastern municipalities.

Authorities and residents in exposed areas are advised to follow updates from weather services and to prepare for episodes of heavy rain and gusty winds through October 22–23.

Photo: press material from the event