Where was the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth?

The lowest natural temperature ever directly recorded at ground level on Earth is −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F; 184.0 K), which was at the Soviet Vostok Station in Antarctica, on July 21, 1983. Analysis of satellite data indicated a probable temperature of around −93.2 °C (−135.8 °F; 180.0 K), in East Antarctica, on August 10, 2010; however, this reading was not confirmed by ground measurements.The value may not be listed as the record coldest temperature as it was measured by remote sensing satellites and not by ground-based thermometers, unlike the 1983 record. The temperature announced reflects that of the ice surface, while the Vostok readings measured the air above the ice, and so the two are not directly comparable. However, it is most likely that the real temperature on the site was lower than that recorded at Vostok.

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William Laughlin

TJ Wahoo, Congratulations. You have already demonstrated that rationality is not your strong suit by your comment. 1. The temperature was recorded in the winter of 1983. Being in the southern hemisphere, Antartica was experiencing winter in July when we were enjoying summer in the northern hemisphere. 2. That temperature was recorded almost 36 years ago. Measurements indicate much warmer ocean surface temperatures since then, which means the majority of the earth's surface is warmer. Because of warmer oceans, tropical storms are more frequent and severe. Remember when we got the hurricane of a generation every 20 years or so? We now get 2 to 3 of those storms every year. This was all predicted by global warming theorists years ago and they were not wrong. 3. Researchers expected a colder winter thanks to global warming. Sudden stratospheric warming events take place in about half of all Northern Hemisphere winters, and they have been occurring with increasing frequency during the past decade, possibly related to the loss of Arctic sea ice due to global warming. Arctic sea ice declined to its smallest extent on record in September 2012. The “warming event” disturbs a pattern known as the “polar vortex" causing an unusual event wherein cold polar air dips into lower latitudes. 4. But most importantly: Weather is not climate. Do not confuse singular events (weather) with overall weather trends (climate). The earth is measurably warmer than it was 50 years ago as are atmospheric CO2 levels. Many other events were predicted, such as the bleaching of coral reefs, which are sensitive to water temperatures. You may choose to bury your head in the sand and deny scientific evidence, but it is no less true because you will not accept it. BTW, the moon is not made of cheese and the earth is round.

JRW

William Laughlin, if I may add to your comments. "Australia's winter of 2023 was the warmest since official records began in 1910, with average daily temperatures 1.53C above the long-term average. According to data from the Bureau of Meteorology released on Friday, the 2023 winter beat the previous record of 1.46C above the average set in 1996." And, I have long been frustrated by the lack of understanding between climate and weather.