Antarctica’s Winter Heat Wave Sets New Record, Highlighting Rapid Peninsula Warming

A winter heatwave on the Antarctic Peninsula pushed Esperanza base to 59.7°F (15.4°C) on June 6, smashing the prior winter record and running about 3.6°F (2°C) warmer than it has ever been in winter there, roughly 36°F (20°C) above the season’s norm. The extreme warmth, aided by sea-ice loss and albedo feedback, has caused rain instead of snow, accelerated ice melt, and raised concerns for local glaciers and wildlife as such events are expected to become more frequent with ongoing warming.