Skopje Ranks Among Europe's Hottest Cities as Heat Wave Continues
A reading of 41.7°C in the village of Petrovec put Skopje in third place among Europe's hottest cities today, with the Hydrometeorological Administration warning of an even stronger heat wave this weekend.
Skopje ranked today among the third-hottest cities in Europe — between 2 and 3 PM, the village of Petrovec near the capital recorded a temperature of 41.7°C. Globally, the day's highest temperature was recorded in Kuwait (47.2°C), while the coldest spot was Russia's Antarctic Vostok station, at -75.5°C.
The heat wave isn't letting up — the country has been under a heat alert for several days now, with no relief in the forecast. The Hydrometeorological Administration says Friday brings a further rise in temperatures, ranging from 34°C to over 40°C in the afternoon hours, and the weekend is expected to bring an even stronger wave — Saturday could see thermometers hit 41 degrees.
More Than Just Discomfort
Temperatures like these aren't just uncomfortable — they directly raise the risk of open-air fires, especially in the country's dry regions, where firefighting crews have already had their hands full for weeks. Health authorities are again urging caution for the elderly, young children and chronic patients — avoiding direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 5 PM, staying properly hydrated, and seeking shade wherever possible.
Whether this marks the peak of summer or just another wave in a long series remains to be seen — for now, Skopje remains among the hottest spots on the continent.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · August 21, 2026