The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are a distinct and distinctive natural phenomenon connected exclusively to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, completely dry, and typically rise to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is intensified by the area's several islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its rate. It typically picks up strength during the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Climate
The meltemi winds are seasonal and usually show up throughout the summertime in between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring rough cruising problems however it likewise brings cooling, low humidity and clear skies.
Cruising in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be tough yet satisfying for experienced seafarers. Preparation is essential to navigating in these conditions, including examining weather prediction and intending courses very carefully. It's likewise crucial to select a respectable charter business that can offer local knowledge and advice.
Visitors seeing the Aegean throughout meltemi season ought to be aware of the potential for harsh seas and solid currents, which can interrupt swimming activities and public ferries. Nonetheless, there are still lots of methods to delight in the gorgeous scenery and sunlight. Simply make sure to follow the safety standards listed below and wear appropriate apparel. Additionally, prevent entering the water throughout optimal wind hours. This will certainly help you avoid obtaining dragged in by strong currents or being caught on covert rocks or coral reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which implies 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring attribute of summertime in the Aegean. These strong north 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 but it also offers difficulties.
The etesian winds blow from June via September however they have been recognized to begin a month earlier in May. The good news is, experienced sailors recognize what to anticipate and can plan as necessary.
The meltemi usually picks up in the mid-day, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and afterwards fades by sunset. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for it to linger throughout the evening. The meltemi ventilates the entire Aegean and can produce nasty downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a great variety of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in keeping their towns secured by building rock walls.
Strength
The meltemi winds are amazing 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 typically 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range yet they can reach up to 7 (Beaufort range is a score system of wind intensity).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced pressure trough over Turkey. They normally blow from northeast in the northern Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the central Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be challenging for much less skilled seafarers and can make swimming and water sports testing as they create effective currents. However, they supply cooling, reduced moisture and great presence. They are greatest throughout the afternoon and normally calm down during the night. The meltemi wind is a defining function of the Aegean summer.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction in between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that impacts through the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds typically last for a few days at once, peaking in July and August. They normally reach 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 electrifying sailing journeys. For many, this is the primary factor they choose to sail the Aegean throughout the summer season.
While meltemi catamaran rental can be challenging, it is likewise an all-natural a/c unit that maintains temperatures amazing and lowers humidity. The strong north wind makes Paros and other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally shapes the landscape and lifestyle of the islanders, linking modern-day travelers to ancient seafaring customs.
