Key facts
- Antarctica recorded a high of 15.4C on June 6 at the Argentinian Esperanza base.
- This temperature was approximately 20C above the normal winter average for the region.
- The record heat occurred during a prolonged heatwave where daily maximum temperatures exceeded zero degrees for three consecutive weeks.
- Unusually warm winds from the north contributed to higher-than-normal temperatures across the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Researchers observed bare ground and rain melting ice on glaciers, indicating significant ablation.
- Scientists emphasize the need for emission cuts to mitigate severe climate change impacts on Antarctica.
Antarctica has experienced unprecedented winter heat, with temperatures soaring to 15.4C at the Argentinian Esperanza base on June 6, a record for the continent. This reading was approximately 20C above the normal winter average and occurred during a prolonged heatwave that saw daily maximum temperatures remain above freezing for three consecutive weeks.
The unusual warmth led to visible bare ground in areas typically covered by snow and ice, and even rain melting ice on a glacier summit. Other weather stations also recorded significantly higher temperatures than usual. Climate experts described the event as "absolutely crazy" and a "huge anomaly."
This extreme heatwave is raising concerns about the acceleration of climate collapse. Scientists warn that the future of Antarctica is dependent on current choices regarding emissions, as higher global temperatures could lead to a significant reduction in sea ice, impacting species like krill and stressing marine ecosystems. Extreme weather events globally have been linked to fossil fuel burning, and researchers stress that cutting emissions is vital to avoid the most detrimental effects of the climate crisis.