Blizzards: Snow and Ice

In high and mid-latitudes, blizzards are some of the most widespread and hazardous of weather events. They are most common in Russia and central and northeastern Asia, northern Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and Antarctica. It is likely that climate change will give rise to changes in the number, severity, and geographical occurrence of blizzards.

 

Between 60°S and 65°S latitudes lies the Antarctic Circumpolar Trough, a zone of low pressure that contains variable winds flowing from west to east. In this region, fierce storms sweep warm moist air from the middle latitudes toward the pole, causing clouds and precipitation. 

 

Inland, on the Polar Plateau the storms tend to dwindle as they lose energy, although strong oceanic storms do occasionally create hazardous conditions. On average a zone of high pressure exists over the central portion of the continent throughout much of the year resulting in lighter winds, clearer days, and extreme cold.