The meltemi winds, also known as the Etesian north wind are an unique and distinctive natural sensation connected exclusively to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, dry, and often rise to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's numerous islands, which serve as natural funnels and accelerate its rate. It normally grabs toughness throughout the afternoon and dies down by nighttime.
Weather
The meltemi winds are seasonal and generally appear during the summer months between June and September, especially in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring severe sailing conditions however it likewise brings air conditioning, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Cruising in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be tough yet rewarding for seasoned seafarers. Prep work is vital to browsing in these problems, consisting of examining weather forecasts and planning routes thoroughly. It's also essential to select a trustworthy charter firm that can supply regional understanding and guidance.
Travelers going to the Aegean during meltemi period must understand the capacity for rough seas and strong currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferryboats. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of ways to appreciate the beautiful views and sunlight. Just be sure to follow the safety and security standards below and wear appropriate clothing. Additionally, prevent entering the water throughout optimal wind hours. This will help you stay clear of obtaining dragged in by strong currents or being caught on surprise rocks or coral reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which means 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a persisting feature of summer season 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 begin a month previously in May. Fortunately, skilled sailors understand what to anticipate and can prepare appropriately.
The meltemi typically grabs in the mid-day, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its best, and then discolors by sunset. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for it to linger throughout the evening. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can create horrible 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 maintaining their towns secured by building rock walls.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are great completely dry winds that toughen up 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 score system of wind intensity).
They are developed when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a low 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 central Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be hard for less knowledgeable seafarers and can make swimming and ferry from us virgin islands to british virgin islands water sports testing as they develop powerful currents. Nonetheless, they provide cooling, low humidity and good exposure. They are toughest during the mid-day and normally calm down at night. The meltemi wind is a defining feature of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the communication in between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced pressure systems over Turkey. The result is a powerful wind tunnel that strikes via the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds normally last for a few days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They normally get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet can sometimes be even stronger reaching up to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable seafarers, meltemi winds are a present. They give ideal conditions for thrilling cruising journeys. For lots of, this is the primary factor they pick to cruise the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is additionally a natural air conditioning system that maintains temperature levels great and lowers moisture. The solid north wind makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It likewise shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, linking modern tourists to ancient seafaring practices.
