The meltemi winds, likewise known as the Etesian north wind are a distinct and distinctive all-natural sensation linked specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, dry, and usually reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
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 show up throughout the summertime in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring rough cruising problems however it likewise brings cooling, low humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be tough yet fulfilling for skilled seafarers. Prep work is essential to navigating in these conditions, including checking weather forecasts and intending courses meticulously. It's likewise crucial to select a respectable charter business that can offer local knowledge and advice.
Visitors seeing the Aegean throughout meltemi season ought to be aware of the possibility for harsh seas and solid currents, which can interrupt swimming activities and public ferryboats. Nonetheless, there are still lots of methods to delight in the beautiful scenery and sunlight. Simply make sure to follow the safety and security standards below and wear appropriate garments. Also, stay clear of getting in the water during height wind hours. This will help you stay clear of getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on hidden 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 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 with September however they have actually been recognized to start a month earlier in May. The good news is, experienced sailors recognize what to expect and can plan as necessary.
The meltemi normally picks up in the mid-day, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and afterwards discolors by sunset. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for it to persist throughout the evening. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can produce nasty 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 number of windmills enhance the hills of these islands and the islanders are skilled in maintaining their villages shielded by developing rock wall surfaces.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are great dry winds that toughen up the hot summer season sun of Greece and its islands. They are seasonal and can blow from June to September with a peak 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 satisfies 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 tough for much less knowledgeable sailors and can make swimming and water sporting activities testing as they produce effective currents. Nevertheless, they give cooling, reduced humidity and excellent visibility. They are best during the mid-day and typically relax at night. The meltemi wind is a specifying attribute of the Aegean summertime.
Period
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced yacht rentals stress systems over Turkey. The result is an effective wind tunnel that blows with the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds usually last for a couple of days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They usually reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range but can in some cases be also stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For seasoned sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They provide optimal problems for exciting cruising journeys. For numerous, this is the major factor they select to cruise the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is also a natural ac unit that keeps temperature levels trendy and decreases moisture. The solid northern breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also forms the landscape and way of living of the islanders, connecting contemporary vacationers to old seafaring traditions.
