Powerful cyclone, meteorologist Lajda Porja reveals the weather surprises for the week in our country

A powerful cyclone has hit southern Italy, but according to MeteoAlb, Albania remains outside its zone of influence.

Meteorologist Lajda Porja of MeteoAlb provided details about the weather situation in the country and the effects of the cyclone that struck Italy.

“Fortunately for Albanian territory, which is completely on the periphery, rainfall has been low to moderate. Our country is not affected by this cyclone,” said Porja.

Addressing concerns about the possible impact of cyclone 'Leoni 2' on the Balkans, Porja explained that Albania has only been affected on the outskirts.

“Rainfall intensity will decrease on Tuesday, but a temporary worsening is expected on Wednesday,” the meteorologist added.

According to Porja, the main concern will not be massive flooding, but strong winds.

“On Wednesday, especially in coastal areas and the Vlorë region, wind speeds could exceed 80 km/h, causing problems for maritime traffic and requiring extra caution from residents near old trees or unsafe structures. From Thursday, wind intensity is expected to decrease again,” she said.

January is ending as a wet month, with many areas in Albania exceeding the monthly rainfall averages by 40 to 60 mm.

Lajda Porja predicts that February will begin with similar instability, alternating rain and clear spells, without long sunny periods.

Regarding the risk of flooding, the meteorologist reassures citizens that no alarming situations are expected, unlike in Italy, and no massive river floods are anticipated.

“Local problems may occur in specific urban neighborhoods due to drainage issues or short, heavy rainfall, but the main risk remains strong winds, not water overflow,” Porja emphasized.

Although temperatures are expected to reach relatively high values for the season, up to 15–16 degrees Celsius, people will still feel cold.

Porja explained that this is due to high humidity and the lack of sunlight, creating what is known as the “bitter cold.”

Snow remains confined to altitudes above 900 meters and is not expected to descend into cities.

For those planning to travel to mountainous areas over the weekend, extra caution is advised due to frost, as temperatures in these areas will remain below zero, keeping the snow from melting.

“KORÇA BOOM”