Celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025: Honoring the Meteorologists of SANAP’s Overwintering Teams
Each year, on March 23rd, the global community observes World Meteorological Day, commemorating the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This day highlights the pivotal role meteorology plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of societies worldwide. In 2025, we focus on the indispensable contributions of meteorologists stationed at the South African National Antarctic Programme’s (SANAP) remote research stations: SANAE IV in Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island.
On this World Meteorological Day, we extend our gratitude to the meteorologists of SANAP’s overwintering teams. Their unwavering commitment and resilience in some of the most challenging environments ensure that we continue to deepen our understanding of Earth’s atmospheric processes, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of societies worldwide.
SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition IV): Located at 71°S, 2°W in Antarctica, SANAE IV. Meteorological observations are conducted year-round, providing critical data on atmospheric conditions in this remote region.
Marion Island: Situated at 46°S, 37°E in the Southern Indian Ocean. The island’s meteorological station collects essential weather data, contributing to climate studies and aiding in the understanding of global weather patterns.
Gough Island: Located at 40°S, 9°W in the South Atlantic Ocean, Gough Island has hosted a South African weather station since 1956. The station conducts hourly climate observations and upper-air ascents, playing a crucial role in monitoring weather systems that can impact South Africa.
Meteorologists assigned to these stations undertake year-long deployments, known as overwintering periods, during which they perform several critical functions:
Surface Observations: Conducting regular measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other atmospheric parameters to monitor and document local weather conditions.
Upper-Air Observations: Launching weather balloons equipped with instruments to collect data on atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity at various altitudes, which is vital for understanding weather patterns and forecasting.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all meteorological instruments and equipment are calibrated and functioning correctly to maintain the accuracy and reliability of collected data.
Data Management: Recording, analyzing, and transmitting collected meteorological data to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and other relevant organizations for use in weather forecasting and climate research.
The data collected by SANAP’s overwintering meteorologists contribute significantly to:
Weather Forecasting: Providing accurate and timely data that enhance the precision of weather forecasts, benefiting maritime navigation, aviation, and local communities.
Climate Research: Offering valuable insights into climate variability and change, particularly in the understudied southern hemisphere regions.
Environmental Monitoring: Supporting studies on the interactions between the atmosphere and the unique ecosystems of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, aiding in the conservation of these fragile environments.
Meet the SANAE 64 Team
SNR Meteorological Technician / Team Leader: Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe – SAWS
We would like to take this moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported our overwintering teams. To the families, friends, and loved ones who provide the emotional support necessary for our teams to thrive, your understanding and encouragement are invaluable. To the various stakeholders, including the South African government, research organizations, and our international collaborators, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of Antarctic research.
To the overwintering teams themselves, we are incredibly proud of your unwavering dedication. Your perseverance, expertise, and positive spirit inspire us all and are the foundation of the success of the South African National Antarctic Programme. We also want to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that made all of this possible. The spirit of cooperation among SANAP’s overwintering teams is something that continues to inspire us all. Even in isolation, you worked together as a family, relying on each other to overcome the challenges the Antarctic winter throws your way.
To all our overwintering teams, their families, we wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. May 2025 bring new discoveries, further achievements, and continued collaboration.
Happy Holidays and a Successful 2025!
A departure ceremony took place at East Pier, Cape Town today. Mr. Rodgerson Hlophe(right) – Acting Director: Southern Oceans and Antarctic Support was the Programme director and introduce the takeover personnel and the Gough 70 overwintering team.
Acting Chief Director: Specialist Monitoring Services Ashley Johnson gave a farewell speech to GOUGH 70 overwintering team. and wishes them all the best for the time they will spend on Gough Island.
In the SANAP community we are celebrating all those involved as Researchers, Scientists, and Students at tertiary and research institutions and infrastructures, and personnel within the National Research Foundation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Public works and Infrastructure, the South African Weather Services, the South African National Space Agency, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and all the women serving as part of the crew of the S.A. Agulhas II.
Celebrating our women overwintering team members at our stations: Antarctica (SANAEIV), Marion Island and Gough Island.
2024 women’s day commemoration is a reminder of the important contributions that are made by women to society, as well as a time to reflect on the advances in women’s rights. During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.
Women’s Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity (GNU) and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events, and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the 
