Gregale facts for kids
| The winds of the Mediterranean |
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The Gregale is a special kind of wind that blows across the Mediterranean Sea. It is a strong, cool wind that comes from the northeast. This wind often happens when a low-pressure area (a spot where the air pressure is lower than usual) moves to the south of Malta. When this happens, the Gregale wind can strongly affect Malta and other islands in the western Mediterranean.
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What is the Gregale Wind?
The Gregale is known for being a cool and strong wind. It blows from the northeast, meaning it comes from the direction between north and east. This wind is part of a group of winds that are named after the directions they come from, especially in the Mediterranean region.
Where Does the Gregale Blow?
This powerful wind mainly affects the central and western parts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is especially well-known for its impact on the island nation of Malta. When a low-pressure system forms near Malta, it creates the perfect conditions for the Gregale to start blowing. It can also be felt on other islands and coastal areas in the western Mediterranean.
Why is it Called Gregale?
The name "Gregale" comes from Italian, where it is called "Grecale." This word can be translated to "Greek wind." The name suggests that the wind seems to come from the direction of Greece. For example, it is said that the wind often starts near the Ionian Island of Zakynthos, which is part of Greece. Other names for this wind in different languages include Catalan: Gregal (Catalan), Lombard: Grecal (Lombard), Maltese: Grigal (Maltese), and Occitan: Gregau (Occitan).
Other Mediterranean Winds
The Mediterranean Sea is famous for its many different winds, each with its own name and characteristics. The Gregale is just one of them. Other well-known Mediterranean winds include:
- Bora (wind): A cold, strong, down-slope wind in the Adriatic Sea.
- Etesian: Strong, dry north winds of the Aegean Sea.
- Khamaseen: A hot, dry, sandy wind in Egypt and the Middle East.
- Levantades: Winds from the east in the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Leveche: A hot, dry wind from the south or southeast in Spain.
- Marin (wind): A strong, moist, southerly wind in the Gulf of Lion.
- Mistral (wind): A strong, cold, northwesterly wind that blows from southern France into the Gulf of Lion.
- Sirocco: A Mediterranean wind that comes from the Sahara and reaches hurricane speeds in North Africa and Southern Europe.
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