Abstract:

The weather at the South Georgia Islands is frequently windy and the general weather situation is complex. Based on
surface weather charts and observations from a fishing ship, we concluded that the synoptic situations that lead to winter gales
near the South Georgia Islands could be divided into three types: (1) a single cyclone, (2) high pressure to the north and low
pressure to the south, and (3) high pressure to the west and low pressure to the east. Type 1 causes gales with moderately short
durations. Type 2 causes gales with the longest durations. Type 3 is often generated by an eastward shift of the saddle-shaped
pressure system, producing gales with the shortest durations. However, Type 3 can produce wind waves in directions different
to the climatological mean direction, which potentially could be dangerous for fishing ships and therefore, careful monitoring
is required.

Key words: South Georgia Islands, gale, meteorological support