How accurate are Southern Ocean weather analyses? This study examines the realism of synoptic surface pressure analyses for the Southern Ocean, highlighting the crucial role of rare ship observations in conjunction with satellite imagery and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Accurate weather analyses in this remote region are vital for maritime operations and climate modeling. The research presents observed and analysis pressures from an icebreaker journey from Hobart (Tasmania) to Dumont d'Urville and McMurdo (Antarctica). The results underscore the importance of ship observations in validating and refining weather analyses, despite the increasing availability of satellite data and NWP models. The availability of more reliable and accurate weather data leads to more safe, planned routes for ships in these harsh conditions. This concise analysis demonstrates that ship observations remain valuable for improving the accuracy of Southern Ocean weather analyses. It emphasizes the need for continued data collection from diverse sources to enhance our understanding of weather patterns in this challenging environment.
This paper aligns with the scope of Meteorological Applications by addressing the practical challenges of weather analysis in a remote region. By highlighting the importance of ship observations, it contributes to the journal's focus on applying meteorological data for real-world applications, such as maritime operations.