Temperature gap up to 20°C expected across North Macedonia

A sharp swing between morning lows and daytime highs is expected across North Macedonia in the coming days, with differences reaching as much as 15–20 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists warn that such swings can strain people sensitive to weather changes and raise the risk of more colds and respiratory infections.

Translating his forecast into concrete numbers, meteorologist Slavcho Poposki said: "In the coming days mornings will be almost wintry with minimum temperatures dropping in the range from -1 to 10 degrees, and during the day they will rise in the interval from 18 to 26 degrees. In Skopje and surroundings, morning temperatures will drop in the range between 5 and 6 degrees, and during the day it will rise to around 25 degrees."

The largest day–night gaps are expected in interior and higher-elevation areas, where radiational cooling at night will push minimums below single digits while daytime sunshine allows readings in the upper teens to mid-twenties.

Overall, the weather pattern remains dominated by an anticyclone (an area of high atmospheric pressure) sitting over the country, which will keep conditions mostly stable, dry and sunny with only occasional small to moderate local cloudiness.

Winds and timing

Winds will change through the weekend: until Saturday, October 3, northerly to northeasterly winds will be weak to moderate and at times stronger. From Sunday, October 4, the wind is expected to become lighter and shift to a predominantly southerly direction.

Authorities and health experts advise people — especially meteorosensitive individuals — to dress in layers and take precautions during the large temperature swings to reduce the likelihood of illness.

Photo: press material from the event