Slavcho Poposki warns of weather turnaround: from 37°C heat to local severe storms

Meteorologist Slavcho Poposki announced a shift in North Macedonia's weather, warning that very warm, sunny conditions will give way to locally intense thunderstorms over the next two days.

According to Poposki, an atmospheric front advancing from the north will bring colder air aloft that, when stacked above the already warm low levels, creates favourable conditions for convective cloud development and local thunderstorm cells.

Local storms, heavy downpours and possible hail

The first more pronounced instabilities are expected on Wednesday, September 2, particularly during the afternoon and evening, and in some places the unsettled weather may continue into the night towards Thursday. Where stronger thunderstorm cores form, short but intense events are possible: heavy rainfall in a short time, strong gusts of wind and frequent lightning discharges. Poposki also notes that hail can occur in the more vigorous cells.

Temperatures will remain high despite the instability. Poposki says parts of the country could approach 40 degrees Celsius today. Forecast maxima for Wednesday, September 2, are between 29 and 37 °C, with Skopje and its surroundings around 35 °C. With the frontal passage, Thursday, September 3, should be slightly cooler: 27–34 °C nationwide and about 34 °C near Skopje.

Because the processes are highly local, conditions can change markedly across short distances — one area may receive heavy rain and thunder while a nearby place stays mostly dry. Poposki urged people to be careful, avoid exposed outdoor locations during thunder activity, and not shelter under isolated trees during strong electric discharges. He recommended following up-to-date weather information, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours when convective clouds are most likely to develop.

Photo: press material from the event