The meltemi winds, also called the Etesian north wind are an one-of-a-kind and distinct 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 intensified by the region's several islands, which function as natural funnels and increase its speed. It commonly picks up stamina during the afternoon and wanes by nighttime.
Weather
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, reduced moisture and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be challenging however fulfilling for seasoned sailors. Prep work is key to navigating in these problems, consisting of inspecting weather prediction and planning paths meticulously. It's also essential to select a reliable charter business that can give local understanding and suggestions.
Tourists checking out the Aegean throughout meltemi period should know the possibility for harsh seas and strong currents, which can disrupt swimming activities and public ferries. Nonetheless, there are still a lot of ways to delight in the stunning views and sunlight. Just be sure to comply with the safety and security standards listed below and put on ideal garments. Also, prevent getting in the water throughout peak wind hours. This will assist you prevent obtaining dragged in by solid currents or being caught on surprise rocks or reefs.
Regularity
Meltemi-- which indicates 'yearly wind' in Greek-- is a reoccuring attribute 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 breeze for sailors but it also presents difficulties.
The etesian winds strike from June with September however they have been understood to start a month earlier in May. Thankfully, experienced sailors know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
The meltemi generally picks up in the afternoon, reaching 5-- 7 Beaufort at its strongest, and then fades by sunset. However, it is not unusual for it to linger throughout the evening. The meltemi aerates the entire Aegean sailing yacht rental and can produce awful downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind steep cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason why a good number of windmills decorate the hills of these islands and the islanders are competent in keeping their villages protected by constructing rock wall surfaces.
Strength
The meltemi winds are great dry winds that temper the hot summer 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 reach up to 7 (Beaufort scale is a ranking system of wind strength).
They are produced when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans satisfies a low stress trough over Turkey. They commonly blow from northeast in the north Aegean, turning to northwest in the western Aegean and after that north in the central Aegean.
These solid katabatic winds can be hard for less skilled sailors and can make swimming and water sporting activities testing as they produce powerful currents. However, they give air conditioning, low humidity and excellent exposure. They are greatest during the mid-day and normally relax at night. The meltemi wind is a specifying function of the Aegean summer.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are brought on by the interaction between high pressure systems over Greece and reduced pressure systems over Turkey. The result is an effective wind tunnel that strikes through the southerly Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds normally last for a few days at once, coming to a head in July and August. They typically reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range but can sometimes be also more powerful reaching up to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They supply perfect problems for thrilling sailing journeys. For lots of, this is the main factor they select to sail the Aegean throughout the summer.
While meltemi can be tough, it is likewise an all-natural ac unit that keeps temperatures great and reduces moisture. The strong northern breeze makes Paros and other Greek islands a heaven for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also forms the landscape and lifestyle of the islanders, attaching contemporary vacationers to ancient seafaring practices.
