Seasonal· Kea (Tzia)· Greece — Cyclades
Kea Lee-Side Gusts in Meltemi
37° 37.2′ N · 24° 18.6′ E · approximate
Kea is notorious for strong downslope fall-winds on its lee side when the meltemi blows. Gusts hammer into the west-coast bays and the Korissia harbour, and funnelled wind accelerates south of Kea and Kythnos.
Practical
The meltemi blows mainly June-September and is strongest in July-August. It typically builds from Force 4-5 in the early afternoon to Force 5-7 (17-33 kn), often dies at sunset, and can last up to ten days (sailingissues). Effects on Kea: Korissia can become untenable in a strong NE meltemi from swell and gusts; Koundouros gets fierce NE gusts; Poles took the brunt of a 45+ kn meltemi storm. Use plenty of chain everywhere. Leave at dawn for windward legs. A cloud cap forming on Kea's mountain to leeward is a warning sign. The coordinate is approximate, the centre of the west coast.
Best for
Planning shelter and departure times in July-August
Season
Jun-Sep, peak Jul-Aug
Nearby
- Agia Marina Tower (Kea)0.4 NM away
- Exochiko tis Margaritas (Pisses)1.7 NM away
- Pisses Mini-Market (Kea)1.7 NM away
- AB Vassilopoulos Supermarket (Kea)1.8 NM away
- Korissia Fuel & Water (Kea)1.8 NM away
- Ioulida Cafes (Ioulida)1.9 NM away
- Ioulida Chora (Kea)1.9 NM away
- Ioulida Piatsa Tavernas (Ioulida)1.9 NM away