Antarctica is exceptionally cold right now, with the temperature at the South Pole currently at -13 °F (-25 °C).
Current and Upcoming Temperatures at the South Pole
The South Pole, situated deep within the continent, experiences some of the most extreme cold on Earth. Here's a snapshot of the current temperature and a short-term outlook for the upcoming hours:
| Time | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Now | -13 °F (-25 °C) |
| 10:00 AM (local time) | -12 °F (-24 °C) |
| 2:00 PM (local time) | -14 °F (-26 °C) |
Please note: These temperatures are specific to the geographic South Pole and can vary significantly across the vast Antarctic continent depending on location, elevation, and time of year.
Understanding Antarctica's Extreme Cold
Antarctica holds the record for the coldest place on Earth due to several factors:
- High Elevation: Much of the continent is a high plateau, including the South Pole, which sits at an elevation of approximately 9,300 feet (2,835 meters). Higher altitudes are generally colder.
- Ice Sheet: A massive ice sheet covers about 98% of the continent. Ice reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, contributing to lower temperatures.
- Polar Location: Situated at the bottom of the world, Antarctica receives very little direct sunlight, especially during its long winter months.
- Isolation: The continent is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which isolates it from warmer air masses.
For more detailed weather information for the South Pole, you can visit Time and Date.
