The meltemi winds, also known as 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 scale.
The wind's strength is intensified by the area's several islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It typically picks up strength during the afternoon and dies down by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and typically appear throughout the summer season in between June and September, particularly in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring extreme cruising conditions however it likewise brings air conditioning, low humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be difficult however gratifying for seasoned sailors. Preparation is key to navigating in these conditions, including examining weather forecasts and preparing routes thoroughly. It's also essential to select a respectable charter business that can offer regional understanding and guidance.
Travelers visiting the Aegean during meltemi period need to understand the capacity for rough seas and solid currents, which can interrupt swimming activities and public ferries. However, there are still a lot of ways to appreciate the attractive views and sunlight. Just make sure to follow the safety standards listed below and use suitable garments. Likewise, prevent going into the water during height wind hours. This will help you stay clear of obtaining dragged in by solid currents or being caught on covert rocks or reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which suggests 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a repeating feature of summer season in the Aegean. These solid northern winds are influenced by a warmth trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for sailors yet it additionally offers difficulties.
The etesian winds blow from June via September however yacht charters they have been recognized to start a month earlier in May. Fortunately, skilled sailors know what to anticipate and can prepare accordingly.
The meltemi commonly gets in the afternoon, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and after that fades by sundown. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for it to linger 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 an excellent number of windmills enhance the hills of these islands and the islanders are experienced in maintaining their villages protected by constructing stone walls.
Strength
The meltemi winds are awesome completely dry winds that solidify 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 stress trough over Turkey. They typically blow from northeast in the north Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and then north in the main Aegean.
These strong katabatic winds can be hard for less experienced seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. Nevertheless, they give cooling, reduced humidity and excellent exposure. They are strongest throughout the afternoon and normally calm down in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that impacts through the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds generally last for a couple of days at a time, peaking in July and August. They generally reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range but can often be also stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For experienced seafarers, meltemi winds are a present. They offer excellent conditions for thrilling cruising experiences. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to sail the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is also a natural air conditioner that maintains temperature levels awesome and minimizes moisture. The strong north wind makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, attaching modern tourists to old seafaring traditions.
