Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 24 January 2026: Lake Untersee Base Camp Weather Conditions and Forecast
Keith’s note: A quick snapshot of the weather at Lake Untersee and A forecast for the coming week. Dale’s team has a small Ambient WS-4000 weather station set up near camp. When it’s online, it shares their current weather conditions in real time.
Wind conditions
Current temperature
Weather forecast for the coming week courtesy of Gemini. Note their mention of Dale’s updates.
Lake Untersee, Antarctica, expect typical late-January summer conditions characterized by 24-hour daylight, stable but cool temperatures, and persistent southeasterly winds. While the region is a polar desert, intermittent light snow showers are likely throughout the week.
7-Day Weather Forecast (January 25 – January 31, 2026)
| Date | Conditions | High / Low Temp | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jan 25 | Cloudy with a chance of light snow | 16°F / 10°F (-9°C / -12°C) | SE 22 mph |
| Mon, Jan 26 | Mostly cloudy; persistent breeze | 20°F / 13°F (-7°C / -11°C) | SE 24 mph |
| Tue, Jan 27 | Partly sunny; risk of evening snow showers | 17°F / 9°F (-8°C / -13°C) | SE 20 mph |
| Wed, Jan 28 | Light morning snow followed by clearing | 15°F / 8°F (-9°C / -13°C) | SE 13 mph |
| Thu, Jan 29 | Sunny intervals with scattered night clouds | 15°F / 3°F (-9°C / -16°C) | S 15 mph |
| Fri, Jan 30 | Partly sunny; stable conditions | 16°F / 9°F (-9°C / -13°C) | SE 13 mph |
| Sat, Jan 31 | Partly sunny and calm | 14°F / 9°F (-10°C / -13°C) | SE 13 mph |
Key Advisories for Field Teams
- Extreme Wind Risks: Although average winds are moderate (13–24 mph), this region is prone to sudden “blizzard conditions” with gusts that can peak over 67 mph (30 m/s). Ensure all base camp tents and equipment are securely anchored.
- Visibility: Rapid changes in visibility are common during even light snow showers.
- UV Exposure: Despite the cold, the 24-hour sun results in constant UV exposure; high-SPF protection is necessary for outdoor work.
- Real-time Updates: For the latest on-site conditions, field teams often monitor Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Reports.
Keith’s note: Astrobiologist Dale Andersen is heading back in Antarctica at Lake Untersee in January-February 2026 for another field season of research.
- Previous reports
- Astrobiologist Dale Andersen’s Antarctic Field Report: Preview: 2026 Lake Untersee Field Seas
Dale and I have been proving research updates – from Antarctica – since 1996. We think we actually had the first webserver (located in my old condo) updated from Antarctica. More details here: Dale Andersen’s 1996 Antarctic Field Research Photo Albums
Astrobiology
