South Pole comes to Britain

November 2011 was the warmest November the British came across in last three centuries. Then they had gales gushing at monstrous speeds of over 100 kmph that even pulled away the water of waterfalls up in the air. But that was not the end of the worst weather they had experienced so far. They did not know that they will also have colder winters - with temperatures even lower than the South Pole.

Snow coverd countryside in Wales [ Photo: Phll Rees ]

The coldest winters are around now with temperature forecast as low as -8c.

The McMurdo research facility in Antarctica is currently recording -6c (21f) at night. The bitter cold has forced some countries to deploy their armed forces and set up emergency accommodation.

Read more / watch video and many more photos of severely hit Britain: Mail Online

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Would you like to cycle to the South Pole - specially if you are a female?

[ via BBC News Magazine ] 4 Jan

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton is hoping to become the first person to use a bike to reach the South Pole. She is attempting to travel 500 miles (805km) across Antarctica and will cycle for large parts of it, as well as snowkiting and walking. She hopes to complete the trek for Sport Relief in 20 days.


At this time of year, the average temperature in Antarctica is -25C, but can drop to -50C. Severe coastal winds come from cold air flowing down off the interior ice sheet. Wind speeds can reach up to 125mph (201km/h) and average about 80mph.

Read details about expedition, the woman and her cycle.
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Saudi woman set to conquer Antarctica

[ via Arab News ]

Sahar Al-Shamrani

Sahar Al-Shamrani from the Eastern Province is preparing to be the first Saudi woman to travel to the South Pole, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported Monday.

“The objective of this trip is to contribute in projects to save planet Earth,” she said.

Scientists and environment experts, including British scientist Robert Swan, will accompany Al-Shamrani.

She said she was prompted to take the risk by the words of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who has always encouraged Saudi women to undertake their role in society.

A woman from the United Arab Emirates, who had taken the trip before, also encouraged her. “I am very concerned with environmental issues and the ecological changes, which started to have their impact on Mother Earth,” she said.

Read full story for details

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