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Antarctica has the strongest winds on the planet.
High coastal winds (Katabatic winds, induced by
gravity and rushed down from the polar plateau)
blow up to 200mph (320km/h). Average 12mph
(19km/h).
Temperature
Coldest
period is usually end September when the night
gives way (compare March in the Arctic). The
transmission between the seasons is around 8
weeks to alter complete darkness into perpetual
sun. The coldest ever was measured in Vostok July
21,1983 at -128.6F/-89.2C, and the warmest ever
was Jan 5, 1974 at the New Zeeland base Vanda
with 59F/+15C.
The winter wind chill is -150F/-100C. Average
wind chill going to the Pole (-28C/19 km/h) is
-43F (-46C). There is little precipitation and
almost no clouds over the Pole. Precipitation
average is less than 2in (50mm) a year. The cold
evaporates all humidity and the continent is as
dry as the Sahara.
Although the sun shines 24/7 in season, the rays
hit at an angle and have to pass through more
atmosphere than at the equator, thus weakening
their energy. To that, the ice of Antarctica
immediately reflects most part of the rays back
to space.
The South Pole season is opposite to the North
Pole when it comes to polar travel. You’ll arrive
in Antarctica’s summer and travel into winter.
This means that your warmest period will be at
the beginning of the trip, gradually cooling off.
Expect temperatures to range
between
-10C to -5C in the beginning, dropping to -15C up
to -40C as you are closer to the South Pole. The
cold increases further with the climb to
altitude.
Reading clouds
Watch the clouds. Cumulus, a low grey blanket,
means no wind, some snowfall and warm
temperatures. No shadow but ok contrast.
High, sharp streaks of Cirrus bring high winds
and sunshine initially, but can also be a
precaution of an approaching storm.
Alto stratus, a white veil of medium high clouds,
are generally trouble. Snowfall for days at
end,
whiteout and generally bad weather.
More unusual is a nasty looking white wall of
cloud approaching rapidly with black twisters
touching the ice. Expect very high winds within
20 minutes of sight, however the wall usually
passes fast - in 30 minutes or so. It looks worse
than it is, but secure your gear or camp up.
Whiteout
Dry blizzards have no snowfall, just existent
snow being picked up and blown around by the high
wind. It’s very blinding, making it impossible to
see objects (like crevasses) 3ft (1m) away.
Whiteout is caused by white skies over a snow
covered surface and fog like, low white cloud.
This causes a loss of depth perception and
complete disorientation.
On clear days, very clear air allows you to see
very far but causes difficulties in judging
distance, mountain ranges 60 miles (37km) away
are knife sharp, looking much closer than they
are.
Solar phenomenon
Sundogs are images of several suns in the sky.
Sometimes there are also images of pillars and
arcs caused by the suns halo. Diamond dust is ice
particles floating in clear air, reflecting the
sun.
Solar wind or "Northern lights": In Antarctica
they are “Southern lights” called Aurora
Australis as opposite to the Arctic Aurora
Borealis. They are electrically charged,
high-energy particles from the sun visible on the
Poles due to the magnetic lines bending there.
Visible only in the dark season as multi-colored
giant curtains in the sky. Typically green, white
or red. Exceptionally strong in an eleven year
cycle (last 2001) of extraordinary solar
eruptions. Can interfere with communication
technology even through off-season.
Antarctica is generally warmer (in skiing season)
but windier than the Arctic. The wind chill and
the altitude close to the pole will be your major
challenge in terms of weather. In addition,
Antarctica generally experiences more storms than
the North, due to the powerful Katabatic winds,
sweeping down from the South Pole plateau.
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