The State Hydrometeorological Service is forecasting changeable cloudy weather with heavy rain and occasional thunderstorms in the western parts of Macedonia. Temperatures are falling - the maximum will range between 5 and 24 degrees Celsius. After a string of warm days, nature is reminding us again that the May season is never stable.

In the western regions a westerly wind will blow, while along the Vardar valley the wind will be northerly, with occasional strengthening. In Skopje the forecast is changeable cloud cover, with a chance of light rain in the morning hours in parts of the Skopje basin. The maximum temperature in the capital - up to 20 degrees.

The Service says the next few days will be similar. From the official statement: „Over the coming days, changeable cloudy weather with occasional local rainfall will prevail. In the afternoon hours, in places, there will be conditions for unstable cloud development with heavy rain, thunder and strengthened wind. Temperatures will be falling."

For citizens: an umbrella is mandatory from today. For farmers - a problem. May rainfall in large quantities often damages orchards, especially apples and pears which are now in flowering stage. After a few warm days that triggered the blossoms, a sudden cold snap with rain can wipe them out. Past seasons have already taught us that rule - one that costs farmers hundreds of thousands of euros in damages every year.

For Skopje specifically - 20 degrees and rain mean an impact on the city's commute. Expect slower traffic in the morning hours. And remember - wet asphalt with worn wipers is a more frequent cause of road accidents than the rain itself.