Did you know that Tarifa has more than 300 windy days a year? In addition, the average wind speed recorded is 22 km/h, which is approximately 12 knots. This constant wind is the reason why Tarifa has gained international recognition as a privileged place for water sports. The secret of this phenomenon lies in a physical principle known as Venturi, and understanding this concept is essential for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Therefore, we are going to tell you the reasons for this. why is it so windy in Tarifa.
The Venturi effect
Wind characteristics are greatly influenced by the geographic features of the surroundings, so put on your reading glasses as we embark on a brief exploration of geography and physics.
Located at the southernmost point of Europe, Tarifa is separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge.. This information is probably already familiar to you. It is also worth noting that the Strait of Gibraltar resembles a funnel, created by the "empty" expanse between the two continents.
The funnel shape is accentuated by the mountain ranges that flank the strait. On the European side lies the coast of Tarifa, which is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges, including the Estrecho and Algeciras mountain ranges, as well as the Los Alcornocales natural park. The tip of Tarifa lies within an extensive area of lowlands. On the African side, by contrast, lies the Rif mountain range.
At this point Venturi makes his appearance (an Italian gentleman from the 18th century who, despite not having visited Tarifa, would have appreciated it very much). This phenomenon occurs when a fluid, specifically wind in this context, flows through a constricted space. As you pass through this strait, the wind speed increases. This principle is what ensures that Tarifa experiences a constant wind for most of the year.
What exactly is the Levante wind?
This is a geographical profile of the Iberian Peninsula that creates a tunnel-shaped passage or opening between the province of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting it with North Africa in Morocco. Consequently, as the space narrows in this region, the air coming from the East experiences an increase in speed.
In certain regions, The Levante wind brings with it fog and precipitation, especially around the Rock of Gibraltar. In contrast, in other locations, this wind contributes to dry weather, as observed along the Andalusian Atlantic coast. As a result, residents of different areas attribute different characteristics to this same meteorological phenomenon.
In Gibraltar, the clouds that accumulate over the Rock are known as the "Levantine beards." On the beaches of Cadiz and Huelva, this wind stirs up the sand on the shore and raises the temperature. This wind, originating in the central Mediterranean, It is present throughout the year, but its maximum activity is observed from May to October.
How is the Levante wind formed?
The climatic phenomenon in question arises from the interaction between the thermal depression, called B, characteristic of northern boreal summers, and the high pressure system generated by the Azores anticyclone. This conflict occurs predominantly during the summer months, when the anticyclone is most pronounced.
As a result, winds are generated that flow counterclockwise from the low pressure zone; specifically, easterly winds occur in the north over the westernmost Mediterranean. In addition, the orographic characteristics of the Spanish State contribute to enhancing the strength and speed of these winds in that area.
The province of Cadiz is the one that suffers the most significant effects of the Levante. Its geographical position within the Spanish territory makes it an ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts looking to enjoy exceptional windy days.
In addition to its attributes of strength and speed, the Levante wind reaches Cadiz with very marked characteristics. Coming from the inland area of the Mediterranean Sea, located between the continents of Europe and Africa, this wind inaugurates a warm and arid climate that provides favorable conditions for sports. On the contrary, the sky associated with the Levante wind is usually overcast, full of dust and dirt, accompanied by a heavy and humid atmosphere.
Therefore, A sporting day with these characteristics is more demanding than one with a milder climate and cleaner air. Furthermore, the wind influences not only humans, but also other forms of life; with the presence of the Levante, there is a greater chance of encountering more insects, which tend to be more intrusive.
On dry land, the Levante, with its formidable force and speed, turns the sand into a weapon against our skin, making it impossible for us to remain on its surface.
For those who practice water sports, this factor may have a minimal impact. However, for those who are just starting out in these activities and need to practice specific postures on dry land, The Levant may prove to be a major obstacle.
The last two characteristics are temperature and humidity. As the Levante wind travels along the Andalusian coast, it loses humidity and increases the temperature. This phenomenon gives rise to a dry climate with high temperatures when it reaches Cadiz.
West Wind
This alternating wind comes from the West, as opposed to the East, as it blows from the direction where the sun sets. In Tarifa, this breeze is characterised by its freshness and the humidity it brings from the ocean, showing considerable variability throughout the year, with different effects prevailing in each season.
During the spring and summer seasons, the wind is mild and moderate, usually not exceeding 50 km/h, making it perfect for enjoying a pleasant kitesurfing experience. The prevailing westerly wind during the summer months provides a constant side-to-shore breeze that generates pleasant waves close to shore.
During the winter season, the westerly wind turns into a land breeze, generating significant waves that crash on the shores. This westerly wind is usually accompanied by rain, creating adrenaline-filled kitesurfing opportunities in atypical and significantly more challenging conditions.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about why it is so windy in Tarifa.