Geography of The Republic of Macedonia - Climate

Climate

Macedonia has unique climate explained by its location and topography. The climate of the plains is extraordinary - Mediterranean climate combined with the influence of the Black Sea. The country also holds continental characteristics, which are accentuated by the mountains in the south which prevent hot air from the south to move to the north. Conversely, the Šar Mountains, which are located in the northwestern part, block cold northern winds. In whole, the northern and western parts of the country are relatively close to Continental climate and the southern and eastern to Mediterranean climate.

Macedonia has four seasons weather, but the lengths of the seasons varies based on geography. The spring is often very short. Summers are subtropical so it is not uncommon to see temperatures of above 40 °C (104 °F) during this season, especially in the plains along the valley of the Vardar river. Winters, although moderate, can sometimes be quite cold. Snowfalls during winter are common and sometimes heavy. The average annual temperature of the air is 11.5 °C (53 °F), but the plains experience higher temperatures, 15 °C (59 °F). The warmest month is July, which has an average temperature of 22.2 °C (72 °F) and the coldest is January, with a temperature of 0.3 °C (33 °F). The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded in Macedonia to date are 44.5 °C (112 °F) and −31.5 °C (−25 °F), respectively.

The rainfall is abundant in the western and eastern parts of the country, but the temperature decreases significantly in the Vardar region. This region sees warmer winters through the Vardarec wind. This wind comes up from the mouth of the Vardar river and brings warm air. Skopje, considered a low-lying city, has an average of 64 rainy days per year. The month of October is the wettest with 61 mm; the driest is August with 28 mm. Rains are most common in the spring and fall.

Climate Facts:
Place Region Latitude Longitude Altitude (m) Rainfall (mm) Temperature
(°C)
Skopje North of the valley of the Vardar 42° 00’ 21° 26’ 245 940 13,5
Kočani Eastern Macedonia 41° 50’ 22° 00’ 400 538 12,9
Lake Ohrid Southwest Macedonia 41° 03’ 20° 42’ 693 759 11,4
Climatic data for Skopje :
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 10 13 18 23 28 31 30 26 20 10 7
-5 2 5 7 12 16 18 18 15 11 6 -2
100 103 113 175 201 123 132 102 109 127 124 141

Read more about this topic:  Geography Of The Republic Of Macedonia

Famous quotes containing the word climate:

    “Then climate is a great impediment to idle persons; we often resolve to give up the care of the weather, but still we regard the clouds and the rain.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    “A positive learning climate in a school for young children is a composite of many things. It is an attitude that respects children. It is a place where children receive guidance and encouragement from the responsible adults around them. It is an environment where children can experiment and try out new ideas without fear of failure. It is an atmosphere that builds children’s self-confidence so they dare to take risks. It is an environment that nurtures a love of learning.”
    —Carol B. Hillman (20th century)

    “The climate has been described as “ten months winter and two months mighty late in the fall.””
    —Administration in the State of Colo, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)