What was the highest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica, which occurred on 24 March 2015?

The climate of Antarctica is the coldest on Earth. It is also extremely dry (technically a desert), averaging 166 mm (6.5 in) of precipitation per year. On most parts of the continent the snow rarely melts and is eventually compressed to become the glacier ice that makes up the ice sheet. Weather fronts rarely penetrate far into the continent, because of the katabatic winds. Most of Antarctica has an ice cap climate (Köppen EF) with very cold, generally extremely dry weather.

On the coast Antarctic average temperatures are around -10c (in the warmest parts of Antarctica) and in the elevated inland they average about -55c in Vostok.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica was 17.5 °C (63.5 °F) at Hope Bay, on the Antarctic Peninsula, on 24 March 2015. The mean annual temperature of the interior is −57 °C (−70.6 °F). The coast is warmer. Monthly means at McMurdo Station range from −26 °C (−14.8 °F) in August to −3 °C (26.6 °F) in January.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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12 Comments

Bill Coe

This is a question that should probably have an "anchor date". With climate change occuring, there is a strong possibilty that the answer to this quesiton will change.

Pat Wells

I recently "Island of the Lost," about a group of men who were shipwrecked on the remote uninhabited Auckland Island where the winds and temperatures are relentless. Fascinating reading.

Susan Madanat

The billions being spent on space exploration and ever more dangerous weapons should be spent on protecting our only home.

Nancy Chisholm

Sadly this recorded was broken in 2020 by a new high of 18.3.

Keith Richard Mears

Question needs updating as this has already been superceded by more than 3°

Jeniene Glass

michael Cogar, yes, I was going to say the same thing

William Laughlin

Jacqueline Tattam, Thank you. You are correct. The new high temperature of 18.3`C was recorded on 7 February 2020. Unfortunately, I don't believe this record will be long lived. Global warming is real.

William Laughlin

spg cool dude, No matter how you slice it, the question is dated and now includes misinformation. Although the temperature measured on 24 March 2015 will not change, it is no longer the highest temperature ever recorded on Antarctica, as stated in the question. The new highest recorded temperature on Antarctica was measured at the Argentine research base Esperanza, on the northern tip of Antarctic Peninsula where we saw a new record temperature of 18.3°C, dated 7 February 2020.