The meltemi winds, likewise called the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and distinctive all-natural sensation connected solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, dry, and frequently reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's several islands, which serve as all-natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It typically gets toughness during the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and usually appear throughout the summer months in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring severe cruising problems but it additionally brings cooling, low moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be tough but satisfying for skilled sailors. Prep work is vital to navigating in these conditions, consisting of examining weather forecasts and preparing courses carefully. It's likewise vital to choose a respectable charter company that can offer regional expertise and advice.
Travelers checking out the Aegean throughout meltemi season ought to understand the possibility 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 safety guidelines below and use proper apparel. Additionally, avoid entering the water during top 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 implies 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a persisting function of summer season in the Aegean. These solid north winds are affected by a warmth trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for seafarers yet it additionally offers obstacles.
The etesian winds impact from June via September yet they have actually been recognized to begin a month previously in May. Luckily, skilled seafarers understand what to anticipate and can prepare appropriately.
The meltemi normally gets in the mid-day, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its greatest, and after that fades by sunset. However, it is not uncommon for it to persist throughout the evening. The meltemi aerates the entire Aegean and can produce awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason why a good number of windmills decorate capitals of these islands and the islanders are skilled in keeping their villages shielded by constructing rock wall surfaces.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are awesome dry winds that toughen up the warm summertime 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 range is a score system of wind intensity).
They are developed when a high all inclusive yacht charters mediterranean pressure ridge over the Balkans fulfills a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They generally blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the main Aegean.
These strong katabatic winds can be difficult for much less knowledgeable sailors and can make swimming and water sports testing as they produce powerful currents. However, they give air conditioning, low humidity and excellent exposure. They are greatest throughout the mid-day and generally calm down during the night. The meltemi wind is a specifying function of the Aegean summer.
Period
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are triggered by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and low pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that blows via the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds typically last for a couple of days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They normally reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range however can sometimes be also stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For skilled sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They provide excellent conditions for exhilarating cruising adventures. For several, this is the primary factor they select to cruise the Aegean during the summer.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is also an all-natural ac system that maintains temperatures cool and minimizes humidity. The strong north breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally forms the landscape and lifestyle of the islanders, linking modern tourists to ancient seafaring customs.
