The meltemi winds, likewise referred to as the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and distinct natural sensation connected specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, dry, and commonly reach up to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's many islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It generally 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 seafarers. Prep work is vital to browsing in these problems, consisting of inspecting weather report and preparing routes carefully. It's also important to pick a reputable charter company that can give neighborhood expertise and recommendations.
Vacationers checking out the Aegean during meltemi season should recognize the possibility for harsh seas and strong currents, which can disrupt swimming tasks and public ferryboats. Nevertheless, there are still lots of ways to enjoy the beautiful views and sunlight. Just be sure to follow the safety and security standards below and wear ideal garments. Likewise, avoid entering the water throughout height wind hours. This will help you stay clear of obtaining dragged in by strong currents or being caught on hidden rocks or coral reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which implies 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring function of summer in the Aegean. These solid north winds are influenced by a heat 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 via September however they have been recognized to start a month previously in May. Luckily, experienced aeolus yacht sailors 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 steep cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a good variety of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are proficient in keeping their towns secured by building rock walls.
Strength
The meltemi winds are awesome completely dry winds that solidify the hot summertime sun of Greece and its islands. They are seasonal and can blow from June to September with an optimal in July and August. They are typically 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can reach up to 7 (Beaufort range is a score system of wind strength).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They normally 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 difficult for much less experienced seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. However, they supply cooling, low moisture and great presence. They are greatest throughout the afternoon and normally calm down in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and low pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that impacts through 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 supply ideal problems for electrifying sailing journeys. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to sail the Aegean throughout the summer season.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is additionally a natural a/c that maintains temperatures amazing and lowers humidity. The strong north wind makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally shapes the landscape and way of life of the islanders, attaching modern-day travelers to ancient seafaring practices.
