The Christmas Eve Weather Team

While most of the North Pole is thinking about presents on Christmas Eve, one group of elves is thinking about clouds.

And wind.

And snow.

And rain.

And temperatures in hundreds of places around the world.

Welcome to the Christmas Eve Weather Team.

Their job is to help Santa know what conditions he may encounter during his flight.

Large screens inside the Weather Station display maps covered with weather information. The team watches storms form and move, checks wind speed and direction, and monitors temperatures along Santa’s route.

Weather can be very different from one stop to the next. December means winter in much of the Northern Hemisphere, but it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Santa might leave a snowy region and later fly somewhere warm enough for Christmas at the beach.

Before takeoff, the Weather Team gives Mission Control a worldwide briefing. Areas that need extra attention are marked for Navigation.

Once Santa is airborne, the work continues.

Weather changes.

If a storm becomes stronger or winds shift unexpectedly, the team sends an update. Navigation can then determine whether Santa should stay on course or use one of the prepared alternate routes.

The Weather Team works until the sleigh returns home.

Only after Santa lands safely does the final forecast appear on their board:

North Pole conditions: perfect for celebrating.