Environmental
North Macedonia issues air‑quality alert for Skopje
Authorities in North Macedonia have issued a high‑risk air‑quality alert for Skopje due to elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels linked to household heating and meteorological conditions.
North Macedonia’s environmental authorities have issued an air‑quality alert for Skopje, warning residents of high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The alert follows monitoring data showing values significantly above World Health Organization thresholds, especially in the early morning hours. Health officials have advised vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed. The ministry attributes the spike to a combination of residential wood and coal burning, traffic emissions, and unfavorable weather that traps pollutants in the valley. Additional measures include inspections of heating facilities and public information campaigns urging reduced use of personal vehicles.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Skopje, North Macedonia
- Date added
- 2026-03-23 00:17 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-23 00:17 UTC
- Connected threats
- Not provided