Weather Advisories

Antarctica's weather is the single greatest variable in any expedition. It dictates which sites can be visited, whether landings proceed, and how comfortable -- or challenging -- your experience will be. Understanding Antarctic weather patterns prepares you for an inherently unpredictable journey.

The Drake Passage

The body of water between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is the most notorious ocean crossing in the world.

Conditions

• Distance: Approximately 1,000 km (540 nautical miles)
• Duration: 36-48 hours each way
• Wave height: Average 3-5 meters; storms can produce 10-15 meter swells
• Wind: Prevailing westerlies; storm-force winds are common
• The "Drake Shake" vs. "Drake Lake": Crossings range from terrifyingly rough to surprisingly calm. There is no reliable way to predict which you will experience

Preparation

• Take seasickness medication before departure (starting the evening before)
• Secure all belongings in your cabin
• Use handrails at all times
• The ship's stabilizers significantly reduce roll, but they cannot eliminate it
• Most passengers adapt within 12-24 hours

Katabatic Winds

Katabatic winds are gravity-driven cold air flows that descend from the ice sheet to the coast. They are Antarctica's most distinctive and dangerous weather phenomenon.

Characteristics

• Origin: Dense, cold air pooling on the high plateau flows downhill under gravity
• Speed: Can accelerate from calm to 100+ km/h within minutes, with recorded gusts exceeding 300 km/h at Cape Denison
• Temperature: Dramatically lower air temperature, creating severe wind chill
• Duration: Can last hours to days

Impact on Visitors

• Landings may be cancelled at short notice when katabatic winds develop
• Zodiac operations become dangerous at wind speeds above 25 knots
• Visibility can drop to near zero when katabatic winds lift snow
• Exposed skin can suffer frostbite within minutes in severe katabatic conditions

Whiteout Conditions

Whiteout occurs when overcast skies and snow-covered ground merge into a single featureless white field, eliminating all visual reference.

Risks

• Complete loss of depth perception and horizon reference
• Disorientation even over short distances
• Impossible to judge terrain, crevasses, or obstacles
• Can develop within minutes as cloud moves in

Protocol

• During landings: Expedition team will halt all movement and recall passengers to zodiacs
• On ship: Navigation switches to radar and GPS; speed is reduced
• Interior expeditions: All travel halts until conditions clear. Rope teams may be used for essential movement

Sea Ice

Sea ice extent varies dramatically between seasons and years, directly affecting which areas ships can access.

Pack Ice

Loose, floating ice that can close or open shipping lanes within hours. Ships with ice-strengthened hulls can navigate moderate pack ice, but thick or compressed pack ice stops all but icebreakers.

Fast Ice

Ice attached to the coastline. Prevents ship access to many potential landing sites early and late in the season. Some sites require walking across fast ice -- assessed for safety by the expedition team.

Icebergs

Tabular icebergs calved from ice shelves can be kilometers across. They are spectacular but present navigation hazards. Ships maintain safe distances, especially in fog or reduced visibility.

Weather Forecasting

Expedition teams receive weather data from:

• Satellite imagery and forecasting models
• Reports from other vessels in the area
• Shore-based weather stations at research bases
• Direct observation and experienced judgment

Despite these resources, Antarctic weather remains inherently unpredictable. Flexibility is not a luxury -- it is the fundamental requirement of Antarctic travel.