The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are a special and distinct 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 intensity is amplified by the region's numerous islands, which serve as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It generally gets stamina during the afternoon and dies down by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and generally appear during the summer months in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring harsh cruising problems yet it additionally brings air conditioning, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be challenging but rewarding for seasoned seafarers. Prep work is key to browsing in these problems, consisting of inspecting weather prediction and preparing paths thoroughly. It's likewise essential to choose a respectable charter business that can offer regional knowledge and advice.
Tourists seeing the Aegean throughout meltemi period ought to know the potential for rough seas and solid currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferryboats. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of means to appreciate the lovely landscapes and sunlight. Just be sure to follow the safety and security guidelines listed below and put on proper clothes. Also, stay clear of getting in the water throughout top wind hours. This will aid you prevent getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on hidden rocks or coral reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which means 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a persisting function of summer in the Aegean. These solid north winds are influenced by a heat trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for sailors but it additionally provides challenges.
The etesian winds impact from June with September but they have actually been understood to start a month previously in May. Luckily, experienced sailors recognize what to anticipate and can prepare accordingly.
The meltemi commonly gets in the afternoon, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its greatest, and then discolors by sunset. However, it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the whole Aegean and can develop awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason a good variety of windmills decorate capitals of these islands and the islanders are competent in keeping their towns safeguarded by constructing rock 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 an optimal 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 pressure 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 seasoned sailors and can make swimming and water sporting activities challenging as they develop powerful currents. Nonetheless, they offer air conditioning, low moisture and good presence. They are greatest throughout the afternoon and normally calm down during the night. The meltemi wind is a defining attribute of the Aegean summertime.
Period
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The result is an effective wind tunnel that strikes via the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds commonly last for a few days at once, peaking in July and August. They normally get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet can sometimes be also more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They give perfect problems for exhilarating sailing journeys. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to sail the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be difficult, it is additionally an all-natural a/c that maintains temperatures great and lowers humidity. The solid north breeze makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It tortola full moon party also shapes the landscape and way of life of the islanders, attaching modern tourists to old seafaring traditions.
