A hot air mass originating from North Africa, known as the African anticyclone, has returned and is causing an intense heat wave across most of the European continent.
This phenomenon, which has been occurring more frequently in recent years, is also directly affecting the Balkan Peninsula, including Albania, where high temperatures, drought, and the influx of hot air have created the characteristic conditions of a heat wave.
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Experts explain that this air mass typically starts its journey from regions like Morocco and then spreads northward, first hitting Spain, then central and northern Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, but its impact also extends to the Mediterranean and the Balkans, including Albanian territory.
According to meteorologists, the African anticyclone moves clockwise from south to north, carrying extremely warm air masses toward Europe. As a result, areas located directly in its trajectory experience the most extreme temperatures.
In this context, Italy presents a special case, as it is split into two thermal realities: the north is facing very high values, while the south remains closer to seasonal averages. This difference is explained by the specific path the hot air mass follows and which regions are directly beneath it.
Specialists stress that the increasing frequency and duration of these episodes are closely linked to climate change. The combination of hot African air with high atmospheric pressure, strong solar radiation, and dry ground creates the ideal environment for recording extreme temperatures.
Although for now some regions are more affected, experts warn that Southern European countries and the Balkans remain vulnerable to powerful heat episodes during the summer season.
