While 2023 is known for breaking global temperature records, the year took an unexpected turn with extreme cold in Antarctica. A new study has been published Developments in Atmospheric Sciences, It shows the sudden and severe cold that hits the continent in late winter (July and August). In a detailed study of the late winter months of 2023, researchers observed extremely cold temperatures over a large region of Antarctica.

“Record cold temperatures were observed across our network of automatic weather stations (AWS) and elsewhere in the region,” said Matthew A. Lazzara of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) Antarctic Meteorological Research and Data Center. .

“These phases were marked by new record low temperatures recorded at both manned and automated weather stations spanning East Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf, and West Antarctica to the Antarctic Peninsula.”

“The highest point, Kunlun Station, recorded the lowest temperature ever recorded at 79.4°C, which is about 5°C below the monthly average temperature,” said Professor Minghu Ding from the Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences. he added. . “Interestingly, record high temperatures were also observed in South America, which is relatively close to Antarctica.”

In Chile, temperatures soared to almost 40°C (104°F) and Rio de Janeiro broke a 117-year-old temperature record. So what did the researchers find? Is Antarctica sending mixed climate messages?

The study identified four distinct cold phases from mid-July to the end of August 2023.

Analysis of 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies revealed strong negative anomalies in August 2023. This atmospheric environment in the mid-troposphere played an important role in the extremely cold temperatures observed. Research shows that both southward currents from the continent and calm atmospheric conditions contributed to this cooling.

Major flights to important research stations were severely disrupted as temperatures dropped below -50°C. These temperatures created the danger of hydraulic failure and fuel gelation on the aircraft, making safe flights impossible.

“This extreme cold was unprecedented and had a significant impact on the study,” said study co-author David E. Mikolajczyk. “Understanding these conditions helps us better prepare for future challenges in Antarctic logistics.”

This research, conducted by an international team of scientists, highlights the importance of understanding the atmospheric environment that leads to extremely low temperatures. Their findings are vital to improving the safety and efficiency of Antarctic operations.

AWS observations from the UW Madison Antarctic Meteorological Research and Data Center (AMRDC) AWS Program and the State Key Severe Weather Laboratory AWS Program were used primarily for event analysis.