The weather in Antarctica can be highly variable, and weather conditions will oftentimes change dramatically in a short period of time. Weather conditions on the continent are classified in a number of ways, and restrictions placed upon workers and other staff vary both by stations and by nations.[1]

McMurdo Station (USA)

Below is the classification for weather conditions at McMurdo Station:[2][3][4]

Condition Criteria Example
Condition 3 /
Normal Condition 3[5][6]		 Must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Visibility is either greater than 1⁄4 mile (400 m), or it falls to 1⁄4 mile or less for less than one minute at a time
  • Windspeed is either below 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph), or it reaches 48 knots or above for less than one minute at a time
  • Air temperature and wind chill are either above −75 °F (−59 °C), or falls to −75 °F or below for less than one minute at a time
Condition 2 /
Severe Condition 2[5][6]		 Must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Visibility is either greater than or equal to 100 feet (30 m), or it falls below 100 feet for less than one minute at a time
  • Windspeed is either less than or equal to 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph), or it exceeds 55 knots for less than one minute at a time
  • Air temperature and wind chill are either −100 °F (−73 °C) or above, or falls below −100 °F for less than one minute at a time

And also must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Visibility is less than or equal to 1⁄4 mile (400 m), sustained for one minute or longer
  • Windspeed greater than 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph), sustained for one minute or longer
  • Air temperature and/or wind chill of −75 °F (−59 °C) or below, sustained for one minute or longer
Condition 1 /
Severe Condition 1[5][6]		 Must meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Visibility less than 100 feet (30 m), sustained for one minute or longer
  • Windspeed over 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph), sustained for one minute or longer
  • Air temperature and/or wind chill below −100 °F (−73 °C), sustained for one minute or longer

Scott Base (New Zealand)

Below is the classification for weather conditions at Scott Base:[7]

Condition Criteria
Weather Condition 3 Must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Severe weather is possible within 24 to 48 hours
  • Visibility is greater than 300 metres (980 ft)
  • Wind less than or equal to 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph)
  • Air temperature and wind chill are above −60 °C (−76 °F)
Weather Condition 2 Must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Visibility is greater than 30 metres (98 ft)
  • Windspeed is no greater than 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph)
  • Air temperature and wind chill are no colder than −73 °C (−99 °F)

And also must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Visibility less than 300 metres (980 ft)
  • Windspeed is greater than or equal to 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph)
  • Air temperature and/or wind chill of −60 °C (−76 °F) or below
Weather Condition 1 Must meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Visibility less than 30 metres (98 ft)
  • Windspeed over 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph)
  • Air temperature and/or wind chill are below −73 °C (−99 °F)

See also

  • Climate of Antarctica

References

  1. ^ "Antarctic weather – Australian Antarctic Program". www.antarctica.gov.au. 2019-02-18. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  2. ^ "Welcome To McMurdo Station" (PDF). U.S. National Science Program. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-09-10.
  3. ^ "Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctic Program" (PDF). U.S. Antarctic Program. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-03-06.
  4. ^ Howard, George (1997-10-18). "Winter Storm: Weathering the Conditions" (PDF). The Antarctic Sun. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  5. ^ a b c Ferrier, Cara; Walker, Meghan; Webster, Kaija. Mastro, Jim (ed.). "Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctic Program" (PDF). United States Antarctic Program. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  6. ^ a b c "Weather Condition Definitions". lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  7. ^ Field Manual: 2011-2013 (PDF). New Zealand: Antarctica New Zealand. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-01-15.