WMO verifies extreme temperatures for Antarctic region

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Tuesday announced new records for the highest temperatures recorded in the Antarctic region as part of continuing efforts to expand a database of extreme weather and climate conditions throughout the world.

The highest temperature for the Antarctica region of 19.8 degrees Celsius was observed on Jan. 30, 1982 at Signy Research Station, Borge Bay on Signy Island.

The highest temperature for the Antarctic continent, defined as the main continental landmass and adjoining islands, was the temperature extreme of 17.5 degrees Celsius recorded on March 24, 2015 at the Argentine Research Base Esperanza located near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Thirdly, the highest temperature for the Antarctic Plateau was the observation of minus 7.0 degrees Celsius made on Dec. 28, 1980 at an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) site D-80 located inland of the Adelie Coast.

WMO said the lowest temperature yet recorded by ground measurements for the Antarctic region, and for the whole world, was minus 89.2 degrees Celsius at Vostok station on July 21, 1983.

According to WMO, verification of these Antarctic extremes helps increase understanding about the Antarctic's distinct climatic regimes, specifically maritime versus plateau environments. Endit