A Mid Summer Blizzard

This is something totally unexpected at this time of the year. It is peak summer time in Antarctica (22nd December was Midsummer Day). We don’t expect blizzards at this time of the year at Maitri. They do occur sometimes in coastal area, but not at our location. Blizzards are hallmark of the winters.



Weather was expected to be bad for 3 days starting today, 28th December according to the forecast given by Ralf, but no one expected a blizzard. What started as a snowdrift at noon time soon strengthened into a low intensity blizzard. It is continuing to blow hard as I am writing this. Although the wind speed in about 40 knots, but it is bringing in copious amounts of snow. The snow flakes are big and wet. They are not powdery as is seen during the winters, when they can be dusted off. The contrast between fresh snow and rotten snow is striking, though both appear white. Visibility is poor, but not as bad as during the winters. This is presently a moderate intensity blizzard, but the prediction for tomorrow is worse. The summer team is going to have a tough time tomorrow, while we are enjoying the what is probably the last blizzard before we depart at the end of next month.