The meltemi winds, additionally known as the Etesian north wind are a special and unique all-natural sensation connected specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, completely dry, and usually rise to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's intensity is amplified by the area's numerous islands, which work as natural funnels and increase its speed. It normally picks up toughness during the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Weather condition
The meltemi winds are seasonal and usually appear throughout the summer months in between June and September, especially in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring extreme cruising conditions however it additionally brings cooling, low moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be tough yet gratifying for skilled seafarers. Preparation is essential to browsing in these problems, including inspecting weather prediction and planning routes very carefully. It's additionally important to select a reputable charter company that can supply neighborhood knowledge and recommendations.
Visitors visiting the Aegean during meltemi period should understand the potential for rough seas and solid currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferries. However, there are still plenty of means to take pleasure in the attractive scenery and sunshine. Simply make certain to adhere to the safety and security standards below and wear ideal apparel. Additionally, prevent entering the water during optimal wind hours. This will certainly assist you prevent getting dragged in by solid currents or being caught on concealed rocks or 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 wind for sailors but it additionally presents difficulties.
The etesian winds blow from June with September yet they have been understood to begin a month earlier in May. Luckily, skilled sailors understand what to anticipate and can plan appropriately.
The meltemi commonly picks up in the afternoon, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and then fades by sundown. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the entire Aegean and can create awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason an excellent variety of windmills decorate capitals of these islands and the islanders are skilled in keeping their towns shielded by building stone wall surfaces.
Strength
The meltemi winds are cool dry winds that solidify the warm 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 generally 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort full moon bvi scale is a ranking system of wind strength).
They are developed when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a low stress trough over Turkey. They commonly blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and after that north in the main Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be hard for much less skilled sailors and can make swimming and water sporting activities challenging as they produce powerful currents. Nevertheless, they give cooling, reduced humidity and great visibility. They are best during the afternoon and commonly relax in the evening. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are triggered by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced stress systems over Turkey. The result is a powerful wind tunnel that blows with the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds typically last for a few days each time, coming to a head in July and August. They usually reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet can in some cases be also stronger reaching up to 7 or 8.
For seasoned seafarers, meltemi winds are a gift. They give optimal problems for exhilarating sailing journeys. For several, this is the main factor they pick to sail the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is also a natural air conditioning unit that keeps temperature levels cool and minimizes moisture. The solid northern breeze makes Paros and other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally forms the landscape and lifestyle of the islanders, linking modern-day vacationers to ancient seafaring practices.
