The meltemi winds, also known as the Etesian north wind are an unique and distinctive natural phenomenon connected exclusively to the Aegean Sea. These seasonal winds are solid, dry, and frequently rise to 7 on the Beaufort scale.
The wind's strength is amplified by the region's many islands, which serve as natural funnels and accelerate its speed. It normally grabs toughness throughout the mid-day and wanes by nighttime.
Climate
The meltemi winds are seasonal and typically appear throughout the summer months in between June and September, particularly in July and August. This katabatic wind can bring harsh cruising conditions yet it likewise brings air conditioning, reduced humidity and clear skies.
Sailing in the Aegean throughout meltemi winds can be challenging yet gratifying for skilled sailors. Preparation is essential to navigating in these conditions, including checking weather forecasts and intending courses very carefully. It's also crucial to choose a reputable charter business that can supply neighborhood knowledge and guidance.
Visitors visiting the Aegean during meltemi season must recognize the potential for rough seas and solid currents, which can interfere with swimming tasks and public ferries. However, there are still lots of methods to appreciate the beautiful surroundings and sunlight. Simply make certain to adhere to the safety guidelines below and use proper apparel. Additionally, avoid entering the water during height wind hours. This will certainly aid you stay clear of obtaining dragged in by strong currents or being caught on hidden rocks or reefs.
Frequency
Meltemi-- which implies 'annual wind' in Greek-- is a persisting attribute of summer season in the Aegean. These solid north winds are affected 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 challenges.
The etesian winds blow from June through September but they have been known to start a month earlier in May. Fortunately, seasoned sailors know what to expect and can intend as necessary.
The meltemi typically picks up in the afternoon, getting to 5-- 7 Beaufort at its toughest, and afterwards discolors by sundown. Nevertheless, it is not unusual for it to continue throughout the night. The meltemi ventilates the whole Aegean and can create nasty downslope gusts in the lee of Kea, Andros, Tinos, and behind high high cliffs on Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos. It is the reason that an excellent variety of windmills embellish the hills of these islands and the islanders are experienced in keeping their villages shielded by constructing rock wall surfaces.
Intensity
The meltemi winds are awesome dry winds that temper the warm summer season sunlight of Greece and its islands. They are seasonal and can blow from June to September with a top in July and August. They are typically 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale yet they can rise to 7 (Beaufort range is a score system of wind intensity).
They are created when a high pressure ridge over the Balkans meets a reduced stress trough over Turkey. They usually 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 much less knowledgeable sailors and can make swimming and water sports testing as they develop party yacht rental georgia powerful currents. However, they give air conditioning, low humidity and excellent exposure. They are greatest during the mid-day and usually cool down during the night. The meltemi wind is a defining feature of the Aegean summer season.
Duration
The meltemi winds are seasonal and are caused by the communication between high pressure systems over Greece and low stress systems over Turkey. The result is a powerful wind tunnel that impacts with the southern Aegean and Cyclades islands. The winds commonly last for a couple of days at a time, coming to a head in July and August. They normally reach 4 to 5 on the Beaufort range however can sometimes be also stronger rising to 7 or 8.
For knowledgeable sailors, meltemi winds are a present. They offer ideal problems for exciting cruising experiences. For many, this is the major reason they pick to sail the Aegean throughout the summer season.
While meltemi can be challenging, it is additionally a natural ac system that maintains temperatures trendy and decreases moisture. The strong north breeze makes Paros and various other Greek islands a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It additionally shapes the landscape and way of living of the islanders, linking modern-day travelers to old seafaring traditions.
