It appears to be a rather blustery day...
I had the great idea of talking about safety today down here in McMurdo, but the weather had other plans. Since we arrived, we experienced some rather extreme weather in a place known for its extreme weather. Here at McMurdo Station, the weather is a major factor in determining what gets done and when. Many activities and jobs are dependent on the weather. For example, we arrived on the first flight of WinFly (Winter Fly-In) and since then three flights have been postponed due to the weather. The weather conditions determine where you can go around town and what you must do to go there.
A good place to start with the weather is the local weather report, which looks very much just like a weather report you might see at home. The weather report includes air temperature, wind chill, sky conditions, visibility, wind speed and direction, air pressure, sunrise and sunset times. This weather report is generated by a whole team of people at McMurdo Station, whose job is to observe, record, and forecast the weather. They are essential to the safe operation of the Station, the flight operations, and the scientific groups going out into the field.
Take a look at the weather reports below and compare McMurdo Station (77˚S) with the South Pole Station (90˚S). Do you notice any differences?
Current weather conditions at McMurdo Station and South Pole Station.
Here in Antarctica, what you can do outside is so dependent upon the weather that there is a code system to describe the conditions and what is possible in them. Under this system, there are three conditions: Condition 3, Condition 2, and Condition 1. Well, what do those mean?
Condition 3
Condition 3 is the best Antarctic weather. It is defined as having winds less than 48 knots (55 mph) and wind chills warmer than -75˚F. Visibility is greater than 1/4 mile. Usually, Condition 3 is a beautiful day by Antarctic standards. It can be cold, but light wind and nearly unlimited visibility. Usually, there are no restrictions on outside activities, like work or hiking.
This is what Condition 3 looks like. You can see for miles.
Condition 2
Condition 2 is starting to get a little nasty. It is defined by one or more of the following conditions: wind speeds of 48-55 knots (55-63 mph), wind chills between -75˚F and -100˚F, or visibility less than 1/4 mile. Condition 2 restrictions include radio checks with the Firehouse or Mac Ops before going anywhere.
Getting a little squirrelly out. This is Condition 2.
Condition 1
Condition 1 is the worst weather! This could include wind speeds greater than 55 knots (63 mph), wind chills colder than -100˚F, or visibility less than 100 feet. Only "mission critical" travel is permitted. That includes from building to building. If Condition 1 occurs, you're pretty much stuck where you are!
The current condition for different areas around McMurdo Station is posted in a variety of places. If you are at a computer, you can find it on the McMurdo Station Intranet homepage.
Current weather conditions and the extremes for August.
This weather summary also forecasts the next few hours.
It also appears in the Galley, where we eat, and in the dorms, where we sleep, on scrolling marquee signs.
Scrolling marquees, like this one, indicate the condition outside.
Finally, you can always get the weather report over the radio.
Checking the weather on the radio before venturing outside is a really good idea.
So, what condition are we currently? We've been watching carefully. Here's the most recent report.
Here's our current weather. Note the locations around McMurdo Station and their current condition.
As you can see, all the locations around us are under Condition 1 and we are under Condition 2. So, what's it like outside. Here's a video I just took during a walk around town.
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Can you see the snow blowing? The noise you hear is the wind! If you listen carefully, you can hear the snow crunch under my feet. Condition 2 is pretty amazing. I can't wait to see Condition 1!
Satellites orbiting Earth above Antarctica have sent us these pictures.
This composite satellite image is courtesy of the University of Wisconsin, Antarctic Meteorological Research Center and Automatic Weather Station programs.
This is a close up satellite image of the area around McMurdo Station. (Photo courtesy of USAP)
For all you weather buffs out there, here are a few more weather photos are resources on the weather around McMurdo Station.
McMurdo Station weather station
The University of Wisconsin in conjunction with others have put together a fabulous weather project.