WeatherBlog 16 2024/25 | Whining about the weather

Current situation and outlook

There is little to report. Today (Wednesday), a small low with an associated cold front can still be felt in the eastern Alps. The precipitation will subside during the course of the day. The snow line is quite low, but with around 20cm in the more favourable locations, the refresh will remain limited. After the last snowfall of this kind (relatively cold, 10-20cm of accumulation) almost a fortnight ago, the WetterBlog had to realise that the fluffy snow is perfect camouflage for malicious sharks, even though it glistens beautifully. We are therefore focussing on pessimism, keeping expectations low, and will be happy if they are exceeded.  

The general weather situation is still characterised by low pressure over the northwest Atlantic and Greenland and an Azores High, which is persistently pushing back. The frontal zone will be deflected northwards by the Azores High, so that the strong Atlantic flow with its embedded disturbances in the Alps will have little effect. The weather is expected to be rather cool (seasonal average) and slightly unsettled over the next few days. There are no major snowfalls in sight. 

From Fairbanks, this year's route heads west to the coast of the Bering Sea, with a detour to the south to make the total distance of around 1000 miles (~1600km). Finally, the teams turn slightly northwards to the end point in Nome. The mushers usually start with 14 dogs and need between 8 and 15 days to complete the race. There are no roads along the route for the most part, so supply flights are organised by the volunteer "Iditarod Air Force". The Air Force, consisting of small bush planes, brings food for people and dogs, spare sled parts and whatever else is needed to checkpoints along the route. Injured dogs or humans are also airlifted away if necessary. The animal and human participants brave snowstorms and cold, often camp along the way and are largely on their own away from the checkpoints.

Although the race route is sometimes adjusted due to the snow situation - as was the case this year - weather-related breaks or cancellations are very rare. Only if the Iditarod Air Force is unable to fly at all for a longer period of time are there extended mandatory breaks at the checkpoints. 

In Alaska, as in the Alps, complaining about the weather is only appropriate when it's too warm in winter!