A rare weather event has triggered an unprecedented heatwave in Antarctica, raising concerns among scientists. The collapse of the polar vortex has left the continent vulnerable.
Antarctica is experiencing an unusual weather event that has scientists worried. Since mid-July 2024, monitoring services have recorded an intense heatwave at the coldest point on Earth. Typically, during the Antarctic winter from May to August, temperatures range between minus 50 and minus 60 degrees Celsius, with a record low of minus 92 degrees Celsius set on August 10, 2010. However, in 2024, temperatures have suddenly risen to between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service, which monitors global climate data, has provided evidence of the current heatwave in Antarctica, warning that this mild winter could have far-reaching consequences. Thomas Bracegirdle, head of the climate team at the British Antarctic Survey, told CNN, “I’m sure that over time, more impacts will come to light as we better understand these heatwaves. But right now, what we’re seeing is really just astonishing.” Jonathan Overpeck, a US climate scientist from the University of Michigan, described the phenomenon on X as an “eye-opening sign that climate change is truly beginning to alter the planet.”
The ice masses in Antarctica are shrinking. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that “the Antarctic sea ice area is already almost as low as it was at this time last year.” As the ice disappears, the South Pole loses its natural defense against future heatwaves, which acts like a climate air conditioner.
Antarctica loses its cold shield as polar vortex weakens
The current situation suggests that such periods could become more frequent. Just two years ago, in March 2022, unusually high temperatures were recorded, then reaching 39 degrees above the expected average.
This heatwave, however, is not primarily due to gradual warming but to a weakening of the polar vortex, also known as the polar vortex. This ring-shaped air current usually encircles the South Pole like a shield, protecting it with a wall of cold air from incoming warm air masses.
In February 2024, a polar vortex “split” brought cold air to Germany and hinted that the polar vortex might collapse in the summer. That is exactly what has happened now. As a result, more warm air masses are flowing into Antarctica, inevitably leading to higher temperatures. Additionally, the ozone hole over the South Pole is expanding.
“Very unusual event”: Polar vortex collapse should be much rarer
Such anomalies, according to climate scientist Bracegirdle, typically occur only once every twenty years on average. He notes, “From this perspective, it is a very unusual event.” However, heatwaves have now followed each other just two years apart—a measurable trend.
