The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and unique natural sensation linked exclusively to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, dry, and usually rise to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's numerous islands, which serve as natural funnels and accelerate its rate. It commonly grabs 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 sailing conditions yet it additionally brings air conditioning, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Cruising in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be difficult however satisfying for experienced seafarers. Preparation is essential to navigating in these conditions, including checking weather forecasts and planning routes carefully. It's also vital to pick a reliable charter company that can provide local expertise and suggestions.
Visitors seeing the Aegean throughout meltemi period must understand the capacity for rough seas and solid currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferries. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunshine. Simply make certain to adhere to the security guidelines below and put on ideal apparel. Additionally, prevent entering the water during optimal wind hours. This will certainly assist you prevent getting dragged in by solid currents or being caught on concealed rocks or reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which suggests 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a repeating feature of summer season in the Aegean. These solid northern winds are affected by a warm trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a breeze for seafarers but it additionally provides challenges.
The etesian winds blow from June via September yet they have actually been understood to begin a month earlier in May. Fortunately, skilled 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 toughest, and after that fades by sundown. However, it is not unusual for it to persist throughout the evening. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can produce horrible downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason an excellent number of windmills enhance the hills of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in keeping their towns safeguarded by building stone wall surfaces.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are trendy 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 scale yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort scale is a score system of wind intensity).
They are created when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans satisfies a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They normally blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and after that north in the main Aegean.
These strong katabatic winds can be tough for much less skilled seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. Nevertheless, they supply cooling, low moisture and good exposure. They are toughest during the afternoon and normally cool down at night. The meltemi wind is a specifying attribute of the Aegean summer.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are triggered by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and low pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is an effective wind tunnel that blows with the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds commonly last for a few days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They generally get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale but can often be also stronger reaching up to 7 or 8.
For experienced sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They give ideal conditions for exciting cruising journeys. For many, this is the main reason they pick to cruise the Aegean during the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is likewise a natural a/c unit that keeps temperature levels great and minimizes humidity. The solid north breeze makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It likewise shapes the landscape and way rent a yacht of living of the islanders, attaching contemporary travelers to old seafaring customs.
