The meltemi winds, also known as the Etesian north wind are a special and distinct natural sensation linked specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, completely dry, and frequently reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is enhanced by the region's many islands, which work as all-natural funnels and accelerate its rate. It normally gets strength throughout the mid-day and dies down by nighttime.
Climate
The meltemi winds are seasonal and normally appear during the summer months in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring extreme sailing conditions yet it likewise brings cooling, low moisture and clear skies.
Cruising in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be challenging yet satisfying for experienced sailors. Prep work is crucial to navigating in these conditions, consisting of inspecting weather report and planning courses meticulously. It's likewise essential to choose a reputable charter firm that can supply regional knowledge and suggestions.
Vacationers going to the Aegean during meltemi period ought to be aware of the possibility for rough seas and solid currents, which can interrupt swimming activities and public ferryboats. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of means to take pleasure in the gorgeous scenery and sunlight. Just make certain to comply with the safety standards below and put on suitable clothing. Additionally, avoid getting in the water during peak wind hours. This will certainly help you stay clear of getting dragged in by solid currents or being caught on covert rocks or coral reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which suggests 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a recurring function of summer in the Aegean. These solid northern 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 however it also provides challenges.
The etesian winds strike from June through September however they have been understood to begin a month earlier in May. The good news is, experienced seafarers understand what to anticipate and can plan as necessary.
The meltemi generally grabs in the afternoon, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and after that discolors by sunset. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the whole 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 good variety of windmills decorate capitals of these islands and the islanders are experienced in maintaining their villages secured by building rock walls.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are cool 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 height in July and August. They are usually 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort scale is a ranking system of wind intensity).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a low stress trough over Turkey. They generally 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 less seasoned sailors and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. Nevertheless, they provide air conditioning, low moisture and good presence. They are best during the afternoon and commonly relax in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining attribute of the Aegean summertime.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is an effective wind tunnel that blows via the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds normally last for a few days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They normally reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet can often be even stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They supply optimal all-inclusive yacht charters conditions for exhilarating cruising experiences. For numerous, this is the main factor they select to sail the Aegean throughout the summertime.
While meltemi can be challenging, it is additionally a natural a/c unit that keeps temperature levels great and lowers moisture. The solid north breeze makes Paros and other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, attaching modern-day vacationers to old seafaring customs.
