Meltemi

Meltemi

The Meltemi is a summer wind that blows in the Aegean, especially in the Greek islands.
The term Meltemi derives from the ancient Greek language and comes from two words:
– Melas: In Ancient Greek, “melas” (μέλας) means “black” or “dark”.
– Temenos: “Temenos” (τέμενος) refers to a sacred area or enclosed enclosure, especially an area consecrated to a deity.
The Turkish name meltemi is used on both sides of the Aegean, Greece and Turkey, but the Greek name «ἐτησίαι (ἄνεμοι)» is also used, which in Greek means «(twenty) annual» and corresponds to the Italian etesii (sing. etesius), in turn derived from the Latin etesiae -arum.
Furthermore, according to mythology, the myth of the Meltemi originated following the assassination of Icarius. The assassins had taken refuge on the island of Ceos, where a bitter heat developed during the days of Sirius, star in the constellation Canis Major which depicts Maira, the dog of Icarius. Asked, the oracle of Apollo communicated that to ward off the excessive and devastating drought the murderers of Icarius had to be punished. Once killed he began to blow the cool meltemi.
The term Meltemi has been used for centuries to describe the typical summer wind of the Aegean, characterized by strong gusts blowing from the north-northwest towards the south-southeast.
The Meltemi is a wind that has great importance in the life of the coastal communities of the Aegean, influencing navigation, fishing and the general weather conditions of the region.
The Meltemi is a dry and fresh wind that originates from the north-northwest and can reach considerable speeds. The Meltemi is particularly known for its presence during the summer months, especially from June to September, when it is more frequent and intense.
Meltemi is a regional meteorological feature that forms mainly due to air pressure differences between Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. During the summer, high pressure settles over Eastern Europe, while the area around Turkey experiences low pressure. This pressure difference generates the Meltemi wind flow, which blows southward across the Aegean.
The intensity is generally quite low, but it is not uncommon to create problems with storms at sea (force 8 or 9). The origin is instead from the north or north-east in the central Aegean, while in the Dodecanese (near the Turkish coast) it blows from the north-west and is generally less strong.
The Meltemi is widely appreciated by water sports enthusiasts, such as sailors and kite surfers, as it creates ideal conditions for these activities. However, it can also lead to rough sea conditions and make navigation dangerous. Its strong gusts of wind can be felt throughout the area and can affect shipping and port operations.