The absolute coldest place ever recorded on Earth, and where temperatures routinely plummet to extreme lows, is a high ridge on the East Antarctic Plateau in Antarctica. While pinpointing the exact coldest spot "right now" is dynamic and constantly shifting, this region consistently holds the record for the lowest natural temperatures ever measured.
Earth's Extreme Cold Record Holder
The record for the coldest temperature ever detected on Earth was identified on a high ridge spanning the East Antarctic Plateau. In August 2018, satellite data revealed temperatures plummeting to an astonishing -148°F (-100°C) in multiple small depressions within this icy landscape. This surpasses a previous record of -136°F (-93.2°C) observed in August 2010.
For more details on these groundbreaking measurements, you can refer to information from sources like the NASA Earth Observatory.
Why is it So Cold Here?
Several factors contribute to the East Antarctic Plateau's unparalleled cold:
- Extreme Altitude: The plateau is very high, averaging over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. Higher altitudes generally mean colder temperatures.
- Dry Air: The air here is exceptionally dry, lacking the moisture that can trap heat.
- Long Polar Night: During the winter months, the region experiences prolonged periods of darkness with no sunlight, allowing temperatures to drop unchecked for extended periods.
- Topography and Radiative Cooling: The "ridge" isn't a sharp peak but an area with subtle undulations and shallow depressions. Cold, dense air flows into these hollows and gets trapped. This stagnant, clear air loses heat very efficiently to space through a process called radiative cooling, allowing temperatures to drop far below those of the surrounding, slightly higher areas.
Understanding "Right Now" vs. Record Lows
When asking "Where is the coldest place on Earth right now?", it's important to differentiate between:
- Instantaneous, Real-Time Temperature: This is constantly changing across the globe. While difficult to pinpoint the absolute coldest spot at any given second, satellite data and ground stations provide continuous monitoring. However, the conditions required for record-breaking lows (like clear skies, calm winds, and trapped cold air) are localized and temporary.
- Lowest Recorded Temperature: This refers to the historical, verified lowest temperature ever measured. The East Antarctic Plateau holds this distinction because it regularly experiences conditions that allow temperatures to drop to these extreme levels, making it the most probable location to find the coldest air at any given time during its winter.
Essentially, while a different location might briefly experience a slightly lower temperature due to a fleeting weather event, the East Antarctic Plateau is the geographic area consistently associated with Earth's most extreme cold.
Other Notoriously Cold Locations
While the East Antarctic Plateau holds the overall record, other places on Earth are famously cold, particularly in terms of surface temperatures or permanent habitation:
- Vostok Station, Antarctica: This Russian research station is located on the East Antarctic Plateau and famously recorded a surface air temperature of -128.6°F (-89.2°C) on July 21, 1983, which was the previous world record for directly measured air temperature before satellite data revealed even colder spots.
- Oymyakon, Siberia, Russia: Known as the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon has recorded temperatures as low as -90°F (-67.7°C). Its extreme continental climate leads to massive temperature swings between winter and summer.
A Comparison of Cold Extremes
Location | Record Low (°F / °C) | Description/Significance |
---|---|---|
East Antarctic Plateau | -148°F (-100°C) | Absolute coldest detected on Earth (satellite measurement), due to high altitude, dry air, and radiative cooling in specific depressions. |
Vostok Station, Antarctica | -128.6°F (-89.2°C) | Coldest surface air temperature ever directly measured at a weather station. |
Oymyakon, Siberia, Russia | -90°F (-67.7°C) | Coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. |