Mount Everest weather
![Mount Everest [mnteverest.net, ©1999, used with permission]](2003-11-21-everest.jpg)
Q: What is the temperature of Mount Everest? Leeds, UK
Mount Everest. Photo courtesy of mnteverest.net, ©1999, used
with permission.
A: It’s a cold place. The temperature never rises above freezing. In January,
the coldest month, it can drop to -76 degrees F (-60 C) and averages -33 F (-36
C). Even in July, the warmest month, it averages -2F(-19 C).
The wind is deadly. Our highest mountain (29,029 feet [8848 m]) thrusts
itself almost into space. In the winter, the high-flying jet stream hurtles in
from the north and batters Mount Everest with hurricane-force winds exceeding
177 mph (285 km/h).
Climbers only venture onto the glacier-carved pyramid a few weeks of the
year. In May and sometimes October winds abate enough for attempts. Mountaineers
fear the unexpected. Everest drops ten feet (3 m) of snow in a blink of an eye.
Storm-force winds spring alive, carrying sand, small stones, snow, and ice aloft
to slash struggling souls.
Further Surfing:
Lightning on Mount Everest?
The Weather Doctor:
The jet stream
AdventureWeather.com: Mount Everest weather
(Answered Nov. 21, 2003, updated July 23, 2007)
| 
