The meltemi winds, likewise known as the Etesian north wind are a special and distinctive natural phenomenon linked solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, completely dry, and frequently reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is enhanced by the region's lots of islands, which serve as all-natural funnels and increase its speed. It commonly picks up stamina during the afternoon and wanes by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and normally show up during the summertime between June and September, particularly in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring rough sailing conditions yet it also brings cooling, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Cruising in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be challenging however fulfilling for experienced sailors. Prep work is vital to navigating in these conditions, consisting of checking weather report and intending routes very carefully. It's likewise crucial to choose a respectable charter firm that can provide regional understanding and suggestions.
Tourists checking out the Aegean throughout meltemi period should know the capacity for harsh seas and solid currents, which can disrupt swimming activities and public ferries. Nevertheless, there are still a lot of means to enjoy the stunning landscapes and sunlight. Simply be sure to follow the security guidelines listed below and put on ideal clothing. Also, avoid going into the water during height wind hours. This will certainly aid you stay clear of obtaining dragged in by solid currents or being caught on hidden rocks or reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which means 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a repeating function of summertime in the Aegean. These solid north winds are affected by a heat trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for sailors but it likewise presents challenges.
The etesian winds blow from June with September but they have been known to start windiest greek islands a month earlier in May. Fortunately, seasoned sailors know what to anticipate and can intend as necessary.
The meltemi typically grabs in the mid-day, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and afterwards discolors by sundown. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi ventilates the whole Aegean and can develop horrible downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason a great number of windmills decorate the hills of these islands and the islanders are skilled in keeping their towns shielded by constructing rock walls.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are awesome dry winds that temper the warm summer sun of Greece and its islands. They are seasonal and can blow from June to September with a top in July and August. They are usually 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort scale is a score system of wind intensity).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced stress trough over Turkey. They generally blow from northeast in the north Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the main Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be hard for much less experienced seafarers and can make swimming and water sports challenging as they develop effective currents. Nevertheless, they offer cooling, low moisture and great exposure. They are greatest throughout the afternoon and typically cool down in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is an effective wind tunnel that strikes via the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds typically last for a couple of days each time, peaking in July and August. They normally get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range however can sometimes be even more powerful rising to 7 or 8.
For experienced sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They provide suitable conditions for exhilarating cruising adventures. For several, this is the main factor they choose to sail the Aegean during the summertime.
While meltemi can be challenging, it is additionally a natural air conditioner that maintains temperatures cool and lowers moisture. The strong north wind makes Paros and various other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally forms the landscape and way of living of the islanders, attaching modern-day vacationers to old seafaring traditions.
