The meltemi winds, likewise called the Etesian north wind are a special and distinctive natural sensation linked solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, dry, and commonly reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's intensity is amplified by the area's many islands, which work as natural funnels and increase its rate. It generally grabs toughness during the afternoon and wanes by nighttime.
Weather condition
The meltemi winds are seasonal and typically show up throughout the summer season between June and September, especially in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring harsh sailing problems however it additionally brings cooling, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be difficult but fulfilling for experienced seafarers. Preparation is vital to navigating in these problems, including inspecting weather forecasts and preparing courses very carefully. It's also essential to pick a respectable charter company that can supply neighborhood knowledge and recommendations.
Tourists going to the Aegean throughout meltemi season must be aware of the capacity for harsh seas and solid currents, which can disrupt swimming activities and public ferryboats. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of methods to take pleasure in the beautiful surroundings and sunlight. Simply make certain to follow the security standards listed below and wear suitable garments. Additionally, stay clear of going into the water throughout optimal wind hours. This will assist you prevent obtaining dragged in by solid currents or being caught on surprise rocks or reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which implies 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring feature of summertime in the Aegean. These strong 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 sailors but it also provides difficulties.
The etesian winds impact from June via September but they have been known to start a month earlier in May. Luckily, experienced seafarers recognize what to anticipate and can intend as necessary.
The meltemi typically picks up in the afternoon, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and then fades by sunset. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi ventilates the whole Aegean and can produce unpleasant downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason a good number of windmills decorate the hills of these islands and the islanders are experienced in keeping their villages protected by building rock wall surfaces.
Strength
The meltemi winds are cool dry winds that temper the hot summer 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 typically 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet they can reach up to 7 (Beaufort range is a rating system of wind intensity).
They are created when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a low stress trough over Turkey. They commonly 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 knowledgeable sailors and can make swimming and water sports challenging as they develop powerful currents. Nonetheless, they give cooling, reduced moisture and excellent exposure. They are greatest throughout the mid-day and normally cool down during the night. The meltemi wind is a specifying function of the Aegean summer.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the communication in between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is an effective wind tunnel that blows through 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 but can occasionally be also more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For seasoned sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They supply suitable conditions for thrilling cruising adventures. For many, this is the major reason they pick to sail the Aegean during the summer season.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is likewise an all-natural ac unit that maintains temperatures trendy and decreases moisture. The strong sailboat charter north breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally shapes the landscape and way of life of the islanders, connecting contemporary vacationers to ancient seafaring customs.
