Posted on 03/27/2003 3:15:56 PM PST by blam
Iraq weather respite may only be temporary
16:35 26 March 03
NewScientist.com news service
The fierce sandstorms and torrential rain that have hampered the invading US and UK military forces in Iraq improved on Wednesday. However, such weather is common at this time of year and is liable to play a continuing role in the progress of the war.
Furthermore, the available weather forecasts suggest winds are likely to pick up again on Friday, threatening to once more ground aircraft and slow the advance of the coalition's ground forces.
Winds of over 50 miles per hour whipped up sandstorms on Tuesday. This reduced visibility to just five metres in some areas, hindering the movement of tanks and troops. Some ground troops were forced to zip up chemical protection gear to keep the sand out, while others were also pelted with heavy rain.
"If there are sandstorms it is a lot harder to fight, because you've got limited visibility," a spokeswoman at British military headquarters in Qatar told New Scientist. However, the poor weather conditions are likely to affect both sides fighting the war.
Weather watch
Detailed weather forecasts for any part of the globe are usually easily found, but the UK Meteorological Office answered initial enquiries by referring New Scientist to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The MOD says such forecasts for Iraq are currently classified, as they could have a bearing on military plans. The British army has about 10 combat-trained meteorologists on the ground in Iraq, supplying the weather updates and forecasts to field commanders. The US has its own combat weather specialists.
A spokesman from the Met Office was able to give general weather information. He says sandstorms are common in Iraq at this time of year. The current spate may well be linked to an area of high pressure directly above the UK, he says, as this diverts the low-pressure systems that bring bad weather to the south, possibly as far as Iraq.
The high pressure is expected to have dispersed by the end of the week and return next week. But this does not necessarily mean similar conditions will appear in Iraq, he warns.
Rotor damage
Bad weather grounds helicopters partly because of the strong winds and reduced visibility. But flying sand and dust can also cause physical damage to rotor blades.
Fixed wing aircraft, such as bombers and fighter planes can fly above sandstorms, but poor low-level visibility may prevent pilots from completing their missions. On Tuesday, two groups of warplanes were reportedly forced to return to coalition ships in the Gulf without finishing their bombing raids.
Sandstorms also mean ground equipment must be cleaned or maintained more frequently. But some equipment, including the British army's main battle tank, the Challenger 2, was prepared for desert conditions before the conflict began.
Will Knight
The only real threat as I see it, is the use of Poison Gas or Nerve agents.
It is well established that in order for them to be even marginally effective there must be virtually no wind.
I am personally hoping for 25 MPH breezes for the next month.
Cheers,
knews hound
The tie-up at the United Nations gave Turkey the cover it wanted to proscrastinate & ultimately dismiss the Pentagon's original Northern Front battle planning. That's made a critical difference both in respect to getting our forces positioned and the initial effectiveness of our military operation...
It's harder for our troops, and I lament that, but it's better in the long run for our nation that the Turkish army is not crossing the border.
On the subject of the timing of the war, I'd like to add it to the list of Global Crimes committed by the UN. When are we going to kick them out of our country and tear up our membership card?
Never mind the sand, if it takes too long, you simply can't fight in 135 degree weather. Ain't happening.
Good weather works to our advantage. IMO
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