Something interesting about Thessaloniki: The Vardaris wind

Did you know that Thessaloniki has its own famous local wind? It is called Vardaris (Βαρδάρης).

Vardaris is a cold and strong wind that usually blows from the north or north-west. It moves through the Vardar–Axios River valley before reaching Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf. The mountains and the shape of the valley help guide the cold wind towards the city.

Vardaris is especially common during the cold months. When it blows, the temperature can feel much lower because the strong wind makes us lose heat from our bodies more quickly. Sometimes it can be very strong and create difficult weather conditions in the city and the surrounding areas.

The Vardaris is an important part of life in Thessaloniki. People who live in the city know that when the Vardaris starts blowing, cold, windy weather is on its way! It is one of the special features of our local environment.

Did you know?

The name Vardaris comes from the Vardar River, which is called Axios in Greece. The river flows through the Balkans before reaching the Thermaic Gulf.