From today through the end of the week, Macedonia will be trapped in a cyclone bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. The Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR) has issued a serious weather warning: more than 20 litres per square metre are expected in the western and southwestern parts of the country, with winds gusting over 70 kilometres per hour.

Temperature swings are sharp - minimums between 5 and 13 degrees, maximums between 16 and 24. In Skopje, around 10 degrees overnight, up to 23 during the day. A change of seasons in front of our eyes - and not in the direction anyone hoped for.

UHMR warns the most intense weather will hit today and through the weekend, with "intensified heavy rainfall (over 20 l/m²), thunderstorms and strong winds (over 70 km/h), at isolated points in the form of severe weather." From Wednesday onwards, strong northerly winds over 50 km/h are expected.

In other words: don't drive if you don't have to, don't stay outside during thunder, and check your roof drainage before the biggest wave hits. Skopje's low-lying areas - notorious for flooding at every serious rainfall - will be tested again. As happens every year, municipalities will blame residents for clogged storm drains, and residents will blame municipalities for not investing in infrastructure. Until next year.

For Balkan habits, a good reminder: umbrella, mobile charger, and a Plan B for getting around. Climate change isn't a theory for our climate - it's a reality measured in daily millimetres.