Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:19
Forums
Seafloor Organisms and Changing Ocean Conditions in Antarctic

Another question from the PFMS Gray Foxes and Mrs. Smith. What is the average temperature in Antarctica this time of year? Also, what is the average wind velocity? Hope you are keeping warm!

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 07:53

Nell Herrmann

Hi there!It is the end of the austral summer right now, so things aren't as harsh
as they will be in June...
Where I am (on the western Antarctic peninsula) the weather is much more
mild than at either McMurdo or South Pole (the other 2 U.S. research
stations). In February, The average temperature at Palmer Station is
about 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind velocity varies from 0-12 mph.
To compare, the average temperature in February at McMurdo is about 16
degrees Fahrenheit and the average wind velocity is about 14 mph.
Great to hear from you! So far I'm keeping warm. I am about to go hike
on the glacier in our backyard. We just arrived at Palmer Station
today. Check out my journal for 2-17-2012 (The Day of 2,000 WOWS!)
--Nell