Climate

The upper part of Bregalnica River Basin is characterized by very cold winters. The lowest absolute minimum temperature ever recorded in Macedonia has been observed in themunicipalities of Berovo and Pehchevo. The average annual temperature amplitude is 21°С,whereas the absolute amplitude is 66 °С. This big temperature fluctuation is indicative of a typical continental climate.

The middle part of the Bregalnica River Basin has an average monthly temperature of 13°С with a medium amplitude of 23°С. This area is characterised by a large number of days with low humidity and temperatures above 30°С, which is indicative element of entering into Mediterranean climatethrough the Vardar River Valley.

The Municipality of Kochani reports an average of 100 days with temperatures above 20°С during the year. The highest temperature observed in the Bregalnica River Basin District has been recorded in the municipalities of Ovche Pole, Shtip and Erdjelija with an average monthly summer temperature of 25°С, indicative of a moderate continental climate.

With an average annual precipitation varying between 506 mm in Kochansko Pole and 672 mm in the Maleshevo Region, the Bregalnica River Basin District is considered “arid”. Precipitation is distributed unevenly with maximum precipitation amounts recorded in April and May and minimumprecipitation amounts recorded in the summer months of July and August. Snow precipitation occurs from December to March.

The Bregalnica River Basin is known for its large number of sunny days providing excellent opportunities for photovoltaic- and photo-thermal energy generation. The lower part of the river basin is well known for its high potential for wind-energy generation.