The meltemi winds, likewise known as the Etesian north wind are a special and unique natural sensation linked solely to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, completely dry, and commonly reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is amplified by the area's many islands, which act as natural funnels and increase its speed. It normally gets stamina during the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Climate
The meltemi winds are seasonal and normally show up during the summer season between June and September, specifically in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring extreme sailing problems yet it likewise brings cooling, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be tough however rewarding for seasoned seafarers. Preparation is essential to browsing in these problems, consisting of examining weather prediction and preparing courses carefully. It's also essential to select a respectable charter firm that can offer local understanding and recommendations.
Visitors going to the Aegean throughout meltemi season need to know the capacity for harsh seas and solid currents, which can disrupt swimming tasks and public ferries. Nonetheless, there are still a lot of methods to delight in the beautiful landscapes and sunlight. Just make sure to follow the security guidelines below and wear suitable apparel. Also, stay clear of entering the water throughout peak wind hours. This will certainly aid you prevent getting dragged in by solid currents or being caught on surprise rocks or coral reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which suggests 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring feature of summertime in the Aegean. These solid northern winds are affected by a warm trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for seafarers yet it likewise provides obstacles.
The etesian winds blow from June with September yet they have actually been recognized to begin a month earlier in May. Thankfully, seasoned sailors recognize what to anticipate and can intend as necessary.
The meltemi commonly grabs in the mid-day, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and after that fades by sunset. However, it is not uncommon for it to linger throughout the night. The meltemi aerates the entire Aegean and can develop awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that a good number of windmills enhance capitals of these islands and the islanders are competent in keeping their towns safeguarded by building rock walls.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are great completely dry winds that solidify the hot summer season sunlight 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 rating system of wind strength).
They are developed when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans satisfies a low pressure trough over Turkey. They typically blow from northeast in the north Aegean, turning airbnb yacht to northwest in the western Aegean and afterwards north in the main Aegean.
These strong katabatic winds can be difficult for much less experienced sailors and can make swimming and water sports testing as they produce effective currents. However, they give air conditioning, low humidity and good presence. They are best during the afternoon and typically calm down during the night. The meltemi wind is a specifying feature of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the communication in between high pressure systems over Greece and low pressure systems over Turkey. The outcome is a powerful wind tunnel that blows with the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds generally last for a couple of days at once, peaking in July and August. They typically reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale however can sometimes be also stronger reaching up to 7 or 8.
For experienced sailors, meltemi winds are a gift. They supply ideal conditions for electrifying cruising journeys. For lots of, this is the major factor they choose to sail the Aegean during the summer.
While meltemi can be challenging, it is also a natural a/c that maintains temperature levels great and reduces humidity. The strong north wind makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It likewise shapes the landscape and lifestyle of the islanders, connecting contemporary tourists to ancient seafaring traditions.
