The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are a distinct and unique all-natural sensation linked exclusively to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, completely dry, and frequently rise to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is intensified by the area's many islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It typically picks up strength during the afternoon and dies down by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and generally appear during the summer months between June and September, especially in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring harsh cruising problems yet it additionally brings air conditioning, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be challenging but rewarding for seasoned sailors. Prep work is vital to browsing in these problems, consisting of inspecting weather report and preparing paths thoroughly. It's also important to choose a trusted charter business that can offer local knowledge and advice.
Visitors seeing the Aegean throughout meltemi period ought to know the potential for rough seas and solid currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferries. However, there are still a lot of means to take pleasure in the stunning surroundings and sunshine. Just make certain to adhere to the security guidelines below and put on proper clothes. Also, avoid getting in the water throughout top wind hours. This will aid you prevent getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on surprise rocks or coral reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which means 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a persisting function of summer in the Aegean. These solid north winds are influenced by a warmth trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for sailors but it additionally provides challenges.
The etesian winds impact from June with September but they have actually been understood to start a month previously in May. Luckily, experienced seafarers recognize what to expect and can plan as necessary.
The meltemi usually picks up in the mid-day, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and afterwards fades by sundown. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for it to linger throughout the night. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can create horrible downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a great variety of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in keeping their villages secured by building rock walls.
Strength
The meltemi winds are amazing dry winds that toughen up the hot summer season sun of Greece and its islands. They are seasonal and can blow charter a boat from June to September with an optimal in July and August. They are normally 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort scale is a ranking system of wind intensity).
They are developed when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They commonly blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the central Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be challenging for much less knowledgeable seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they produce effective currents. Nevertheless, they give cooling, reduced moisture and good visibility. They are greatest during the mid-day and commonly calm down at night. The meltemi wind is a defining feature of the Aegean summertime.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are triggered by the communication in between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that strikes via the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds commonly last for a few days at once, peaking in July and August. They normally get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet can sometimes be also more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They give perfect problems for exhilarating sailing journeys. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to sail the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is additionally a natural air conditioning system that keeps temperatures trendy and reduces humidity. The solid northern breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, connecting modern tourists to old seafaring traditions.
