The meltemi winds, additionally referred to as the Etesian north wind are an unique and unique all-natural phenomenon connected specifically to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are strong, completely dry, and frequently reach up to 7 on the Beaufort range.
The wind's strength is intensified by the area's many islands, which act as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It generally picks up strength during 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 harsh cruising problems yet it additionally brings air conditioning, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean during meltemi winds can be challenging but rewarding for seasoned sailors. Prep work is vital to browsing in these problems, consisting of inspecting weather report and preparing routes carefully. It's also important to pick a reputable charter company that can give neighborhood expertise and recommendations.
Vacationers checking out the Aegean during meltemi season should recognize the possibility for harsh seas and strong currents, which can disrupt swimming activities and public ferryboats. Nonetheless, there are still lots of methods to delight in the gorgeous scenery and sunlight. Simply make sure to comply with the security guidelines below and put on ideal garments. Likewise, prevent going into the water during peak wind hours. This will certainly aid you prevent getting dragged in by strong currents or being caught on hidden rocks or coral reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which indicates 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a recurring feature of summer season in the Aegean. These solid northern winds are influenced by a heat trough over Turkey and a high pressure ridge in the Balkans. Its omnipresence makes it a wind for seafarers however it also presents obstacles.
The etesian winds strike from June through September but they have actually been understood to start a month earlier in May. Thankfully, experienced sailors understand what to expect and can prepare appropriately.
The meltemi normally grabs in the mid-day, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its best, and afterwards discolors by sundown. Nonetheless, it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the evening. The meltemi ventilates the whole Aegean and can produce unpleasant 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 embellish capitals of these islands and the islanders are knowledgeable in maintaining their villages safeguarded by developing rock wall surfaces.
Strength
The meltemi winds are trendy dry winds that temper the hot summertime 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 usually 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet they can reach up to 7 (Beaufort range is a ranking system of wind strength).
They are created when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans satisfies a reduced stress trough over Turkey. They typically blow from all inclusive yacht week bvi 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 less experienced sailors and can make swimming and water sports testing as they develop effective currents. Nonetheless, they provide cooling, low humidity and great presence. They are toughest throughout the afternoon and generally relax in the evening. The meltemi wind is a specifying function of the Aegean summer season.
Period
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused 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 get to 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale however can sometimes be even more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For seasoned sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They provide excellent conditions for electrifying sailing journeys. For many, this is the major reason they select to cruise the Aegean during the summer season.
While meltemi can be challenging, it is likewise an all-natural air conditioning system that keeps temperature levels cool and minimizes moisture. The strong north wind makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, connecting contemporary vacationers to old seafaring customs.
