The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are an unique and distinct natural sensation connected solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, dry, and usually reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's intensity is magnified by the region's several islands, which serve as all-natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It generally picks up strength during the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Climate
The meltemi winds are seasonal and normally show up during the summer months between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring rough cruising problems however it also brings cooling, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be tough yet satisfying for experienced sailors. Prep work is essential to browsing in these conditions, including inspecting weather prediction and planning routes very carefully. It's additionally crucial to pick a trusted charter firm that can provide local understanding and suggestions.
Travelers checking out the Aegean throughout meltemi period ought to understand the capacity for rough seas and strong currents, which can disrupt swimming tasks and public ferries. However, there are still a lot of methods to delight in the beautiful views and sunlight. Just make certain to comply with the security standards below and put on proper clothes. Additionally, prevent entering the water throughout top wind hours. This will certainly assist you avoid obtaining dragged in by strong currents or being caught on surprise rocks or reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which suggests 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring 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 seafarers however it additionally provides obstacles.
The etesian winds strike from June via September however they have actually been understood to begin a month earlier in May. The good news is, experienced seafarers know what to anticipate and can plan appropriately.
The meltemi typically gets in the mid-day, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and then discolors by sunset. Nonetheless, it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the whole Aegean and can produce awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a great number of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in keeping their villages shielded by constructing rock wall surfaces.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are trendy dry winds that temper the hot summer sunlight 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 range yet they can reach up to 7 (Beaufort range is a rating system of wind strength).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They typically blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the main Aegean.
These strong katabatic winds can be challenging for less skilled seafarers and can make swimming and water sporting activities challenging as they create powerful currents. Nonetheless, they provide cooling, reduced moisture and excellent visibility. They are greatest during the mid-day and commonly calm down at night. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the interaction between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that blows with the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds normally last for a couple of days at a time, peaking in July and August. They typically reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range however can often be also more powerful rising to 7 or 8.
For experienced sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They offer suitable problems for exciting sailing journeys. For numerous, this is the main factor they choose to cruise the Aegean full moon party tortola during the summer season.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is also an all-natural a/c that keeps temperature levels amazing and lowers humidity. The solid northern breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It likewise forms the landscape and way of living of the islanders, attaching modern-day vacationers to old seafaring practices.
