If I remember correctly, drives have vents to the outside world to regulate pressure.
Maybe condensation on the platters, which can happen when there is a change in temperature, causes errors and problems. The media is ferrous and maybe susceptible to moisture?
Only a guess.
I think they have a piece of Gore-Tex membrane over the vent that allows “breathing” but not moisture.
At least that’s what vehicle computers use.
I wonder about the effect of altitude on HD life.