Farmers shift schedules to beat the heatwave

Published: 12 August, 2026 07:40 — Farmers across North Macedonia have shifted their routines to avoid the peak of the current heatwave, starting work before sunrise and leaving fields during the hottest hours of the day.

Many say they begin work at 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning and stop around 10:00 to avoid high temperatures and strong UV radiation, returning to the fields in the late afternoon. "Around 5 o'clock we go out and work until 10, and after 10 we go home. Then, at 17 or 18 in the afternoon we go out and work until 21. We must be careful, we must put the measures into practice, and not, young or old, think that we will withstand it. Most farmers rush home as soon as it gets hot," says Verica Gjosevska, farmer.

Those who are older or have health problems emphasize extra caution. They limit their time outdoors during the heat peak and prefer to do heavier tasks outside the 11:00–17:00 window recommended by authorities. "We are careful, but work sometimes forces us to work even during a heatwave. In the morning we start at 5 o'clock. We are used to getting up early. We work until 11 or 12 o'clock if we have work. In the afternoon we work from 16:00 to 21:00, at dusk we gather our tools," said Stanka Pirigova, farmer.

Other farmers describe similar routines and simple protective measures: wearing hats, light clothing and carrying water. "Until 9 or 10 at the latest my wife and I work and then we go home, and in the morning we start at 6 or at 5:30. In the afternoon we go out after 17:00 and stay until 20:00. I have no need to stay longer in the field," said Vancho Musajski, farmer. Another woman added: "It depends on one's health, and I am 75 years old, I have been operated on, the heat bothers me and therefore I will work better in the evening than in the heat."

Health and safety guidance during the heatwave

Institutions have repeatedly urged people to avoid going outdoors between 11:00 and 17:00. The Institute of Public Health appealed that indoor-outdoor temperature differences should not be large: if it is 39°C outside, air-conditioning should be set at around 25°C to allow the body to adapt when moving outdoors. The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 40°C, with the highest readings recently in Demir Kapija and Gevgelija.

Health recommendations include reducing intake of fatty and highly caloric foods, avoiding foods with a large amount of sugars, taking medicines on schedule, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light clothing and protecting the head with a hat. Farmers and construction workers are considered among the groups most affected during heatwaves; many adjust shift patterns and work in the cooler hours to reduce risks.

Photo: press material from the event