The meltemi winds, additionally referred to as the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and distinct natural phenomenon connected specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, completely dry, and frequently reach up to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's intensity is magnified by the region's lots of islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It commonly gets toughness during the afternoon and wanes by nighttime.
Weather condition
The meltemi winds are seasonal and usually appear throughout the summer months between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring harsh sailing problems yet it also brings air conditioning, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be difficult however rewarding for experienced seafarers. Preparation is crucial to browsing in these conditions, consisting of examining weather forecasts and preparing paths meticulously. It's also crucial to choose a credible charter company that can offer regional expertise and suggestions.
Travelers going to the Aegean throughout meltemi period should know the possibility for harsh seas and solid currents, which can interrupt swimming activities and public ferryboats. However, there are still plenty of methods to take pleasure in the attractive scenery and sunshine. Simply make sure to adhere to the safety guidelines listed below and use ideal apparel. Also, prevent going into the water throughout optimal wind hours. This will certainly help you avoid getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on concealed rocks or coral reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which indicates 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a persisting attribute of summer in the Aegean. These strong northern winds are influenced by a warm trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for seafarers however it likewise provides obstacles.
The etesian winds blow from June through September but they have been understood to begin a month previously in May. Luckily, seasoned sailors know what to expect and can prepare appropriately.
The meltemi commonly picks up in the afternoon, reaching 5-- sail boat charter 7 Beaufort at its greatest, and then discolors by sundown. Nonetheless, it is not unusual for it to persist throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the entire Aegean and can develop nasty 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 good number of windmills decorate the hills of these islands and the islanders are competent in keeping their villages protected by building stone wall surfaces.
Strength
The meltemi winds are trendy completely dry winds that solidify the warm summer 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 generally 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort range is a rating system of wind strength).
They are developed when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans fulfills a low pressure trough over Turkey. They typically blow from northeast in the north Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and after that north in the central Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be tough for much less experienced sailors and can make swimming and water sporting activities challenging as they develop powerful currents. However, they provide air conditioning, low humidity and good presence. They are best during the afternoon and typically cool down in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining attribute of the Aegean summertime.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that blows via the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds generally last for a couple of days at once, peaking in July and August. They usually get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range but can sometimes be also stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For seasoned seafarers, meltemi winds are a gift. They provide suitable conditions for exhilarating cruising experiences. For several, this is the primary reason they pick to cruise the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is additionally a natural air conditioning unit that maintains temperatures great and decreases humidity. The solid north breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally forms the landscape and way of life of the islanders, attaching contemporary vacationers to old seafaring practices.
