The meltemi winds, additionally referred to as the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and distinctive natural sensation connected solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, completely dry, and typically rise to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's many 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 generally appear throughout the summertime in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring rough cruising problems yet it likewise brings air conditioning, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be challenging but fulfilling for skilled seafarers. Prep work is crucial to browsing in these conditions, including checking weather forecasts and planning routes carefully. It's additionally vital to pick a reputable charter firm that can give neighborhood understanding and recommendations.
Travelers going to the Aegean during meltemi period need to understand the capacity for rough seas and strong currents, which can disrupt swimming tasks and public ferryboats. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of ways to appreciate the attractive landscapes and sunshine. Just be sure to adhere to the security guidelines below and put on proper garments. Also, avoid getting in the water throughout top wind hours. This will aid you prevent getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on surprise rocks or coral 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 breeze for sailors yet it likewise presents obstacles.
The etesian winds strike from June with September but they have actually been understood to start a month previously in May. Thankfully, seasoned seafarers understand what to expect and can intend appropriately.
The meltemi typically grabs in the afternoon, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its best, and after that fades by sundown. However, it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can create horrible downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, all inclusive yacht week bvi and behind high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a good variety of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in keeping their towns secured by building rock walls.
Strength
The meltemi winds are amazing 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 an optimal in July and August. They are typically 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort scale is a score system of wind intensity).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They normally 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 challenging for much less skilled seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. However, they supply cooling, reduced humidity and great presence. They are greatest throughout the afternoon and commonly relax during the night. The meltemi wind is a defining attribute of the Aegean summer.
Period
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The result is a powerful wind tunnel that impacts through the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds typically last for a couple of days at once, peaking in July and August. They generally reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet can in some cases be also more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For seasoned sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They give perfect problems for exhilarating sailing journeys. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to cruise the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is additionally a natural air conditioning system that keeps temperatures trendy and reduces humidity. The solid northern breeze makes Paros and various 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.
