Marek Kučera 
Albania has just endured one of the most extreme August heat events in its recorded history, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. On Tuesday, Tirana registered a blistering +43.6°C, setting a new all-time August record for the Albanian capital. Not far behind, the coastal city of Durres hit +42.4°C, an exceptionally high reading for a maritime location.
This heatwave marks a significant milestone in Albania’s meteorological records, as such extreme values have never been observed during August. The country is currently under red-level extreme heat alerts, with authorities urging the public to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and pay special attention to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
The exceptional temperatures are part of a broader Mediterranean heatwave stretching across Southern Europe, driven by an intense high-pressure system funnelling scorching Saharan air northward. In combination with clear skies and low humidity, these conditions have pushed thermometers to historic extremes.
While Albania is no stranger to summer heat, the duration and severity of this event are raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme temperature records. Such extremes can exacerbate drought conditions, trigger wildfires, and strain power grids due to surging demand for cooling.
Meteorologists warn that similar or even higher temperatures could become more common in the coming decades if climate change trends continue. For now, Albania will be remembered for this week’s extraordinary heatwave — a stark reminder of the Mediterranean’s growing climate challenges.
Source: https://x.com/extremetemps/status/1954986062557647292
