Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average in near record heatwave

Recent reports indicate that temperatures in Antarctica have surged an average of 10°C above normal during a near-record heatwave, with some areas experiencing temperatures up to 28°C higher than expected for midwinter. Although temperatures remain below zero, this significant rise aligns with climate models predicting severe impacts of climate change in polar regions. The past year has seen global temperatures consistently exceed the 1.5°C threshold above preindustrial levels, raising concerns about the potential collapse of ice sheets in Antarctica. The heatwave, which follows a strong El Niño event, is attributed to a weakened polar vortex, leading to increased high-altitude temperatures. Experts note that this event is part of a broader trend of warming in Antarctica over the last 50 years. The heatwave is the second major event in two years, following a previous incident that caused substantial ice sheet collapse. Scientists emphasize that while individual heat events are alarming, they are consistent with long-term climate change predictions. The ongoing changes in Antarctica's climate are expected to have significant implications for global weather patterns and sea levels. Researchers are concerned about the frequency of such heatwaves and their potential to exacerbate the effects of climate change in the region. Further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between these heat events and the broader climate crisis.