Global Weather Risks

Question 1

When is Southwest Monsoon season?

Answer 1

May - Sept

Question 2

What regions are impacted by Southwest Monsoon season?

Answer 2

MEG, Arabian Sea, India, SE Asia

Question 3

Describe typical weather conditions during Southwest Monsoon Season

Answer 3

Southwest Monsoon Season (May-Sep), MEG, Arabian Sea, India, SE Asia:
During the southwest monsoon season, vessels can expect strong southwest winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas throughout the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Swell heights can reach 2-4 meters, with higher swells during intense weather systems. Visibility may be reduced due to frequent squalls and thunderstorms. Temperatures remain warm, but high humidity and persistent cloud cover are common.

Question 4

When is the Northeast Monsoon season?

Answer 4

Nov - March

Question 5

What regions are impacted by Northeast Monsoon season?

Answer 5

East India, SE Asia

Question 6

Describe typical weather conditions during Northeast Monsoon season.

Answer 6

Northeast Monsoon Season (Nov-March), East India, SE Asia:
The northeast monsoon season brings cooler, drier conditions to the eastern coast of India and parts of Southeast Asia. Vessels may encounter strong northeast to east winds, moderate to rough seas, and occasional heavy rainfall, particularly during passing depressions. Swell heights can reach 1-2 meters in open waters. Temperatures drop significantly, especially in northern regions.

Question 7

When is Typoon season?

Answer 7

May - Nov

Question 8

What regions are impacted by Typoon season?

Answer 8

China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan

Question 9

Describe typical weather conditions during Typoon season.

Answer 9

Typhoon Season (May-Nov), China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan:
During the typhoon season, vessels operating in the East China Sea, Yellow Sea, and western Pacific can expect severe tropical cyclones characterized by strong winds exceeding 64 knots, torrential rainfall, and very rough to high seas with swell heights of 4-6 meters or more. Visibility can be significantly reduced, and storm surges may pose risks to coastal and port areas.

Question 10

When is Hurricane season?

Answer 10

June - Nov

Question 11

What regions are impacted by Hurricane season?

Answer 11

USGC, USAC, Caribs

Question 12

Describe typical weather conditions during hurricane season.

Answer 12

Hurricane Season (June-Nov), USGC, USAC, Caribs:
In the US Gulf Coast, US Atlantic Coast, and Caribbean Sea, the hurricane season brings a heightened risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, with sustained winds often exceeding 64 knots. Vessels can expect severe sea states, significant swells ranging from 3-6 meters, and dangerous storm surges along coastal areas. Heavy rainfall and squalls may also impact visibility and vessel stability.

Question 13

When is the Autumn/Winter storm season?

Answer 13

Sep - March

Question 14

What regions are impacted by the Autumn/Winter storm season?

Answer 14

North Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, UK Cont.

Question 15

Describe typical weather conditions during the Autumn/Winter storm season.

Answer 15

Autumn and Winter Storms (Sep-March), North Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, UK Cont.:
During the autumn and winter months, vessels in the North Atlantic, North Sea, and Baltic can expect frequent low-pressure systems producing gale-force winds, heavy precipitation, and very rough seas. Swell heights can reach 4-6 meters in the open Atlantic, while shorter, steeper waves dominate the North Sea and Baltic. Temperatures drop significantly, and the risk of icing increases in higher latitudes.

Question 16

When is ice season?

Answer 16

Dec - April

Question 17

What regions are impacted by ice season?

Answer 17

Baltic, the Great Lakes, Arctic Russia

Question 18

Describe typical weather conditions during ice season.

Answer 18

Ice Season (Dec-April), Baltic, Great Lakes, Arctic Russia:
From December to April, ice formation becomes a significant hazard in the Baltic Sea, Great Lakes, and Arctic Russia. Vessels may encounter pack ice, fast ice, and drifting ice floes, with potential for hull damage and restricted navigation. Ice thickness can range from 30-100 cm, and temperatures frequently fall below freezing, increasing the risk of icing on decks and superstructures.

Question 19

Summarise the key weather risks present in the MEG annually.

Answer 19

May–Sept → Southwest Monsoon:
* Rough seas, strong winds, heavy rain.

Dec–Feb → Shamal Winds:
* Dust storms, poor visibility.

Question 20

Summarise the key weather risks present in India annually.

Answer 20

🗓️ June–Sept → Southwest Monsoon:
* Heavy rains, rough seas.
🗓️ Oct–Nov → Retreating Monsoon (East Coast):
* Rainy, local storms.
🗓️ Oct–Dec → Cyclone risk (Bay of Bengal).

Question 21

Summarise the key weather risks in China and Japan annually.

Answer 21

🗓️ May–Nov → Typhoon season:
* Heavy swells, port closures.
🗓️ Dec–March → Winter Monsoon:
* Strong northerly winds, rough seas (Yellow/East China Sea).

Question 22

Summarise the key weather risks present in SE Asia annually.

Answer 22

🗓️ Nov–March → Northeast Monsoon:
* Heavy rains, localized flooding.
🗓️ May–Sept → Southwest Monsoon:
* Lighter winds/rain.

Question 23

Summarise the key weather risks present in WAF annually.

Answer 23

🗓️ May–Oct → Rainy season:
* Thunderstorms, delays.
🗓️ June–Nov → Tropical waves:
* Contributing to Atlantic hurricane systems.

Question 24

Summarise the key weather risks in the USGC and AC annually.

Answer 24

🗓️ June–Nov → Hurricane season:
* Severe weather, port closures.
🗓️ Dec–March → Winter storms (“nor’easters”):
* Rough seas, strong winds.

Question 25

Summarise the key weather risks in the Caribbean annually.

Answer 25

Hurricane season (June–Nov).

Question 26

Summarise the key weather risks in the North Sea and Baltic annually.

Answer 26

🗓️ Sept–March → Autumn and Winter Storms: * Gales, rough seas, rain. 🗓️ Dec–April → Ice season (Baltic ports): * Ice navigation needed.

Question 27

Summarise the key weather risks in the Med annually.

Answer 27

Autumn storms (Nov–March), Mistral/Bora winds.

Question 28

Describe the typical weather conditions caused by the Mistral and Bora winds.

Answer 28

**Mistral Winds**, Southern France, Western Mediterranean: During the mistral events, vessels can expect strong northwesterly to northerly winds, reaching speeds of 50-100 km/h, with gusts exceeding 120 km/h. Conditions are typically clear but cold and dry, with steep, short-period waves in the western Mediterranean, reducing stability and increasing spray. Temperatures drop sharply, particularly in winter. **Bora Winds**, Adriatic Sea, Eastern Adriatic Coast: During bora events, vessels in the Adriatic Sea can expect strong, cold, and dry northeasterly winds, with speeds ranging from 40-60 knots and gusts up to 100 knots. Short, steep waves develop rapidly, increasing the risk of vessel instability. Temperatures can plummet, and sudden gusts may impact vessel handling, especially near the coast.

Question 29

What are the Mistral and Bora winds, their location, season, and impact on shipping?

Answer 29

**Mistral**: **Location**: Southern France, particularly affecting the Rhône Valley and the western Mediterranean Sea. **Season**: Most common in winter and spring but can occur year-round. **Characteristics**: * Strong, cold, and dry northwesterly to northerly wind. * Can reach speeds of 50-100 km/h (30-60 mph), with gusts exceeding 120 km/h (75 mph). * Caused by a pressure gradient between high pressure over the Bay of Biscay and low pressure over the Gulf of Genoa. * Clears skies rapidly, bringing clear, dry, and cold weather. **Impact** on Shipping: * Can generate steep, short-period waves in the western Mediterranean, making navigation difficult. * Increased risk of vessel instability due to gusts. * Reduced visibility due to sea spray. **Bora**: **Location**: Adriatic Sea, particularly affecting the eastern coast (Croatia, Slovenia, Italy). **Season**: Most frequent in winter but can occur at any time. **Characteristics**: * Strong, cold, and dry northeasterly wind. * Wind speeds can range from 40-60 knots, with gusts up to 100 knots. * Caused by cold air descending from the mountains and being funneled through valleys. * Often accompanied by clear skies and rapid temperature drops. **Impact** on Shipping: * Produces very choppy seas and short, steep waves in the Adriatic. * High risk of sudden gusts, impacting vessel handling. * Coastal areas may experience sudden storm surges and reduced visibility.

Question 30

Summarise the key weather risks in the Great Lakes annually.

Answer 30

🗓️ Dec–April → Ice season: * Frozen ports, restrictions. 🗓️ Sept–Oct → Remnant hurricanes (rare but possible).

Question 31

Summarise the key weather risks in the Black Sea and Arctic Russia annually.

Answer 31

🗓️ Nov–April → Ice season (Baltic + Arctic): * Severe cold, navigation delays. 🗓️ Winter months → Black Sea storms: * Gales, rough seas.