Antarctica sets new record high temperature
The continent of Antarctica officially has a new record high temperature of 63.5 degrees, scientists from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced Wednesday.
The record was set on March 24, 2015, at the Argentine Research Base Esperanza, located near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It replaces the previous record of 59 degrees at Vanda Station, Antarctica, on Jan. 5, 1974.
It’s not uncommon for world weather and climate records to take years to verify. In addition to checking the meteorological data and accuracy of weather stations, scientists also needed to define the three Antarctic regions, said Randall Cerveny, chief rapporteur of climate and weather extremes for the WMO.
A line of penguins stand on Inexpressible Island, as the HMS Protector (background) is seen patrolling the area, in Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Island, Antarctica. (Courtesy Britain’s Mod/Royal Navy/Nicky W, EPA)
A line of penguins stand on Inexpressible Island, as the HMS Protector (background) is seen patrolling the area, in Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Island, Antarctica. (Courtesy Britain’s Mod/Royal Navy/Nicky W, EPA)