Antarctica Weather Danger Classification

The weather in Antarctica can be highly variable, and the weather conditions can often change dramatically in short periods of time. There are various classifications for describing weather conditions in Antarctica; restrictions given to workers during the different conditions vary by station and nation.

McMurdo Station (USA)[1][2][3]

Condition Criteria
Condition 3 /

Normal Condition 3

 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

 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

 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)[4]

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)

References

  1. ↑ http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/pastIssues/1997-1998/1997_10_18.pdf#8 United States Antarctic Program - The Antarctic Sun - 1997-10-18
  2. ↑ http://www.nsf.gov/about/contracting/rfqs/support_ant/docs/mcmurdo_guide2006.pdf#6 National Science Foundation - McMurdo Station Guide 2006
  3. ↑ http://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/documents/FieldManual-Chapt10Weather.pdf#4 Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctica Program
  4. ↑ http://antarcticanz.govt.nz/images/downloads/publications/FieldHandbookA6Aug12.pdf#37 Antarctica New Zealand - Field Manual 2012-2013 - August 2012
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