April 6, 1997
"Condition 2"


The weather plays a very central role in the lives of people in Antarctica. The weather changes rapidly in Antarctica, yesterday I was sitting on in a snow bank watching the sunset in a fleece and shell for nearly 30 minutes. The weather is so poor today, that I wouldn't dare be outside for more than a couple of minutes, it would be very easy to become disoriented and lost outside today. We are currently experiencing a weather condition "2". The picture below was taken at 12:45 PM today. The lights you see on the tower indicate weather condition 2.

The Three Weather Conditions


  • Condition III

    Anything better than II.

  • Condition II

    One of the following must exist:
    1. Wind speeds between 48-55 knots
    2. Visibility less than 1/4 mile and greater than 100 feet.
    3. Windchill between -75 and -100 F.

  • Condition I

    One of the following must exist:
    1. Visibility less than 100 feet.
    2. Wind speed greater than 55 knots.
    3. Windchill greater than -100 F.


    Freezer doors are located at every entrance to the lab. It is easy to see why these are absolutely necessary. The first door I tried this morning was actually frozen shut!