What is the vardarec wind in North Macedonia?

The vardarec is a cold, northerly wind that occurs in North Macedonia. It is a notable example of the country's shifting weather patterns, which are influenced by air masses breaking through mountain barriers from the north and south.1

The wind is named for the Vardar River, a major waterway that flows through the region, including the capital city of Skopje. The vardarec contributes to the country's varied climate, which sits at the junction of Mediterranean and continental climatic zones.21