English

Weather Effects During The Battle Of The Bulge And The Normandy Invasion

Weather Effects During The Battle Of The Bulge And The Normandy Invasion ABSTRACT "A general description of the terrain of the Ardennes-Ejiel area is given, and weather related decisions concerning the final attack date and the buildup of the German offensive push are noted. Surface meteorological charts for 16 and 23 December 1944 are presented and show that a modified cold maritime polar air mass was over the Ardennes-Ejiel area when the Battle of the Bulge began. Weather related instances on the battlefield are noted, particularly where fog or snow reduced visibility and where thaws or freezes influenced trafficability. Weather events leading up to D-day are given, and surface weather charts for 3, 4, and 6 June 1944 are shown. Adverse weather conditions before D-day and the lack of timely surface observations caused the German commanders not to suspect an invasion on 6 June 1944. The Germans had no knowledge that a maritime polar air mass was pushing into France from the northwest and would cause weather conditions suitable for the invasion. ACKNOWLEDGMENT I wish to acknowledge the helpful discussions with Mr. Jack Allen and Mr. James Devine in the preparation of this report. T

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