Heat wave comes to Albania, temperatures up to 40 degrees

Albania is expected to face a strong heat wave in the coming days, as a result of the reactivation of African air masses that will affect the country's territory. According to meteorological forecasts, temperatures will gradually increase starting from the end of the week, while in some specific areas the thermometer may approach 40 degrees Celsius.

During the first days of the week, the weather will remain mostly stable. Maximum temperatures will reach up to 32 degrees Celsius in most of the territory. On the coastline, the thermometer will fluctuate around 30 degrees, while mountainous areas will register values ​​between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures will remain relatively low, with the coolest values ​​recorded in the northeastern areas of the country.

Although the weather will be characterized by clear skies, cloudiness will be present during the afternoon hours. Isolated and short-term showers are expected in mountainous areas until Thursday. On Tuesday, the rains will be concentrated mainly in the northern part of the country, while on Wednesday they will affect the northeast and southeast. On Thursday, showers may appear in most of the eastern areas, mainly during the afternoon.

The change in the weather situation is expected to start from Thursday evening. Hot African masses will return to the region, bringing an immediate increase in temperatures. On Thursday, maximum temperatures are expected to reach 35 to 36 degrees Celsius, while on Friday they will rise to 37 degrees, said MeteoAlb meteorologist, Lajda Porja.

The weekend and the first days of next week will be the hottest period. Temperatures are expected to approach 39 degrees Celsius in many areas of the country, while in isolated areas the possibility of the thermometer reaching 40 degrees cannot be ruled out.

The regions expected to experience the highest temperatures are Shkodra and Berat. Very high values ​​will also be recorded in Elbasan, Gjirokastër and Tirana. The entire western lowland is expected to be under the influence of intense heat, especially from Saturday until the middle of next week.

In the Shkodra region, temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius, while in the Berat and Kuçova areas the thermometer could approach 40 degrees. Elbasan and Gjirokastra are expected to register temperatures between 38 and 39 degrees, while Tirana will fluctuate between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.

On the coast, temperatures will be somewhat lower due to the influence of the sea, but even there, high values ​​​​are expected that could reach up to 36 degrees Celsius, especially in the south of the country. In the mountainous areas, Kukës is expected to be among the hottest regions, while Korça will remain relatively cooler compared to the rest of the territory.

Meteorologists point out that high humidity in the air will make the heat feel stronger than the actual thermometer readings indicate. The presence of humidity, favored by occasional rainfall in mountainous areas, will increase the feeling of heat in most cities.

From Friday to Wednesday of next week, the weather is expected to be mainly dry, with long intervals of clear skies and sunshine throughout the territory. Precipitation is expected to be almost completely absent during this period.

According to forecasts, the hottest days will be Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Although a gradual withdrawal of the heat wave and a normalization of temperatures is expected by the middle of next week, the effects of the heat will continue to be felt for several days.

Weather experts advise citizens to avoid being in the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when temperatures peak. Special care is recommended for the elderly, children, and people with health problems, who are considered the most vulnerable groups during periods of extreme temperatures.

Even during the summer season, the eastern areas of the country, including Tirana and Elbasan, are expected to remain more exposed to short and local showers, although these episodes usually last only a few minutes and do not significantly affect the overall atmospheric situation. In general, the coming week is expected to be characterized by hot weather, strong sunshine and temperatures that in some areas will be close to the 40 degree Celsius mark.