The European Storm Forecast Experiment (Estofex), a European institute that issues near-daily severe weather forecasts for the entire continent, has warned of an extremely unstable atmospheric situation that could potentially affect the Republic of Kosovo today.
ESTOFEX (European Storm Forecast Experiment) prepares severe weather forecasts by combining expert meteorological analysis with numerical weather prediction models.
In addition to its weather maps, the institute also publishes meteorological discussions explaining the reasons behind each risk level and the expected phenomena, including hail, destructive winds, tornadoes, and intense rainfall, according to Meteo Ballkan.
For July 21, 2026, Kosovo has been placed under Level 3 risk, the highest warning level issued by Estofex, which occurs extremely rarely. Authorities and citizens are therefore advised to exercise increased caution during the afternoon and evening hours.
The highest risk zone extends from parts of the Adriatic Sea near northeastern Italy, across the central Adriatic region, Dalmatia in Croatia, Montenegro, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, northern Albania, and Kosovo.
Meteorologists predict that the atmosphere in these areas will be highly unstable, with the potential for very powerful thunderstorms, large and damaging hail, extremely strong winds, and possible tornadoes. The region is expected to experience exceptionally high levels of atmospheric instability.
Experts emphasize that such weather phenomena are completely normal during the summer season, although events of this intensity are rare. Strong thunderstorms often accompany periods of extreme heat and have occurred in the past, continue to occur today, and will occur in the future. Local damage from severe storms, when they occur, cannot always be avoided.
Tonight, atmospheric conditions are expected to become extremely unstable during the afternoon and evening hours. This does not mean that severe storms and major risks will definitely occur, but meteorological indicators show a significant potential.
If dangerous weather develops, the impacts are expected to be localized, but increased caution is strongly recommended.
