Second decade of October may bring first significant mountain snow in North Macedonia
GFS model runs indicate a chance of the first notable mountain snowfall in the Balkans and North Macedonia during the second decade of October.
Published: 06 October, 2026 06:00
New runs of the global meteorological model (GFS) continue to show a substantial snow cover building on mountains across the Balkans — and in North Macedonia — after October 10, meteorologist Slavcho Poposki reported.
The model output points to an episode in the second ten-day period of October that could deliver the season's first significant mountain snowfall on the Balkans. Forecasters note that the snow line may fall to lower elevations than normally expected for early October.
Timing and uncertainty
The signal strengthens in the runs issued this week, but Poposki and other forecasters stress that numerical models evolve and that details such as exact timing, elevation of the snow line and precipitation amounts will be refined in subsequent updates.
Authorities and mountain services are advised to monitor updated forecasts ahead of potential travel and safety implications for highland areas. For lowland regions, the event is currently modelled mainly as mountain snowfall rather than a widespread winter outbreak.
Forecasters will publish new model runs and bulletins over the coming days; anyone planning mountain activities after October 10 should check the latest information before travel.
Photo: press material from the event
