Europe under the African heatwave, meteorologist reveals what the weather is expected to be like in Albania at the end of June and during July

A massive African heatwave has swept across the European continent in recent days, described by international meteorological agencies as a “heat dome.”

According to forecasts from IGEWE, as reported by meteorologist Anira Gjoni, the most affected countries are Spain, the United Kingdom, and especially France, which is facing the strongest impact and recording historic temperature highs for June. The hot system is expected to gradually shift toward Central Europe and Germany.

Fortunately, Albania is located on the periphery of this scorching wave. However, the country is still recording thermal anomalies, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 36°C, around 3 to 6 degrees higher than the multi-year average for this period. Nights are also being described as “tropical,” with minimum values around 21°C, similar to those usually recorded in July. Although light and isolated rainfall is expected in hilly and mountainous areas during the afternoons, it will not bring any cooling.

This unusual meteorological situation, which has also brought significant amounts of Saharan dust into the air, is the result of a dangerous combination. Climate change is intensifying these phenomena, while the natural phenomenon “El Niño,” which has begun its activity in the Pacific, is contributing to rising global average temperatures.

While this summer is expected to be just as hot as last year’s, experts from the Institute of Geosciences have raised alarms about the near future. Based on long-term forecasts and the continuous increase in El Niño activity, the year 2027 is expected to break all previous records, being classified as the hottest summer in history.

Anira Gjoni: Europe has been affected this week by a heatwave. International agencies have called it a “heat dome,” and our region is fortunately on the periphery of this heatwave. It is similar to the one we experienced in May, which was the first such intense event this year for our continent.

The most affected countries are Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, and later it will move toward Germany, thus also entering Central Europe.

Regarding our region, maximum temperatures in our country are expected to reach up to 36°C. These are maximum air temperatures, while minimum temperatures, or nighttime values, are expected to peak in the early mornings. This morning, tomorrow morning, and Thursday morning are expected to see temperatures reaching up to 21°C—so-called July-like temperatures or tropical nights that we usually experience mainly during July.

Maximum temperatures will reach up to 36°C. We do not approach 40°C—those values are expected in Western Europe. France is the country most strongly affected by this heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures for this time of year.

For our country, temperatures will reach up to 36°C. Overall, temperatures this week are higher than the long-term average, by 3 to 6 degrees depending on different climatic zones.

In the afternoons, as also seen on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, there will be weak and isolated rainfall, mostly in hilly and mountainous areas. However, this will not bring any cooling; temperatures will remain high.

How June ends and how July begins

June ends under this ongoing heatwave that has affected the entire continent. Heatwaves of African origin, like the one we are currently experiencing this week, are typical for this time of year, as during the summer season we are used to the presence of heatwaves coming from North Africa. They bring high temperatures, drought, and also the presence of Saharan dust particles in the air. However, this time the intensity has been higher and more impactful.

This is due to a combination of the effects of climate change, which increases temperatures and intensifies such phenomena, together with the influence of El Niño, which has started its activity in the Pacific Ocean. Indirectly, it contributes to raising global average air temperatures and thus affects every country.

This summer is expected to be hot and similar to last year. The year 2027 is expected to be even hotter than 2026, as the effects of El Niño will further intensify its activity, and thus it is expected that… summer forecasts, although these are long-term predictions, suggest that 2027 could be the hottest year.

“KORÇA BOOM”