Etesian Winds (Meltemi)

Persistent seasonal northerly winds over the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, most frequent in summer.

Known as the meltemi in Greek and Turkish usage, they arise from the pressure pattern between higher pressure over the Balkans and lower pressure over southwest Asia, with strong modification by islands and channels.

They are not primarily katabatic winds, although local downslope acceleration may occur. Strength often increases by day and can create hard sailing and short seas in constricted waters.