After the scorching heat, the weather surprise comes! Meteorologist Lajda Porja reveals when the downpours start

Albania is experiencing the last days of the African heat wave, with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius in some areas. But the situation is expected to change significantly this week, as a cool air mass from northern Europe will bring a drop in temperatures, rain and wind to most of the country.

In a live connection for Ora News, renowned meteorologist Lajda Porja announced that today remains under the influence of extreme temperatures, with high values mainly in the lowland and southern areas.

“Today we also expect a very hot day, we are still in the build-up of the African heat wave. Many cities in the western lowlands will record temperatures from 39 to 40 degrees, while 41 degrees are expected in the regions of Gjirokastra and Berat and up to 42 degrees in isolated areas of Elbasan,” said Porja.

According to the forecaster, the high temperatures are also accompanied by tropical nights, where in many cities the minimum values do not drop below 20 degrees. The mountainous and northeastern areas will be somewhat cooler, with temperatures around 33-36 degrees.

The significant weather change starts on Wednesday, when a cool air mass originating from northern Europe will penetrate towards the Balkans. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, from over 40 degrees to around 30 degrees by the weekend.

“On Wednesday, a very cool air mass originating from northern Europe will bring immediate cooling. From 41-42 degrees we have today, Friday will bring a maximum of no more than 30 degrees, so a drop of about 12 degrees,” she said.

In addition to the temperature drop, rain is also expected. Downpours will start during Tuesday night in the northern and northeastern areas, while on Wednesday and Thursday they will affect the central and mountainous areas, including the capital.

Friday is expected to be the most problematic, as heavy rainfall could cover the entire territory, also affecting coastal areas. Along with the rain, wind will be present starting from Tuesday evening.

The weekend will bring an improvement in the weather, with clear spells and passing clouds, but with much lower and more stable temperatures, which are not expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius.