Albania is heading into a weekend of extreme temperatures and increased risk of forest fires, according to a warning issued by the National Civil Protection Agency following a notification from the Institute of Geosciences. According to the institutions, the peak of the risk is expected to be reached on Sunday, while several counties have been categorized under a high alert level.
Temperatures rise through the weekend
According to the report of the Institute of Geosciences, the period July 29-August 2, 2026 will be accompanied by a significant rise in temperatures across the country. Minimum and maximum values are expected to continue rising until Saturday, August 1, when the peak of the heat wave is also forecast.
The highest forecast value is 39.5b0C, especially in lowland areas and particularly in the municipality of Peqin. In coastal areas, temperatures may reach up to 38.9b0C, in hilly areas up to 38.3b0C, and in mountainous areas up to 33.3b0C.
Counties where the fire risk is assessed as high
According to the official version of the National Civil Protection Agency, the counties at high risk from fires are Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Berat, Vlora and Gjirokastra. These areas are cited as the most exposed because of the extreme temperatures expected to be recorded over the weekend.
For the countryb4s other counties, a 9moderate9 risk level is forecast for Sunday. Even this categorization, however, implies favorable conditions for the spread of flames in the event of negligence or delayed intervention.
Sunday seen as the most critical day
The institutions warn that the rise in temperatures significantly increases the risk of forest fires, with the maximum peak forecast for Sunday. This places the weekend as a direct test of the readiness of local and central structures, especially in the counties listed as high risk.
In such cases, the official alert has value only if it is accompanied by a real response on the ground, as extreme temperatures and dry terrain create conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
When temperatures are expected to fall
According to the Institute of Geosciences, the drop in temperatures is expected to begin on August 3. Until then, the country remains under the influence of a strong heat wave, with possible consequences not only for fires, but also for daily life in the most exposed areas.
The warning for the coming days comes at a time when fire risk is measured not only by the thermometer, but also by the ability of institutions to prevent damage before the situation gets out of control.
For residents in the hottest areas and near forested land, the weekend is expected to be among the most difficult of this summer.