Antarctica Weather Danger Classification
# Antarctica Weather Danger Classification

The weather in Antarctica can be highly variable, and weather conditions will oftentimes change dramatically in a short period of time. Weather conditions on the continent are classified in a number of ways, and restrictions placed upon workers and other staffs vary both by stations and by nations.

## McMurdo Station (USA)

| 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 |
| Sources: United States Antarctic Program - The Antarctic Sun, National Science Foundation - McMurdo Station Guide 2006 & Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctica Program |||

## Scott Base (New Zealand)

| 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) |
| Sources: Antarctica New Zealand - Field Manual 2012-2013 ||
