WMO Region VII (Antarctica plateau>2500m): Highest Temperature
| Record Value | -7.0°C (19.4°F) |
|---|---|
| Date of Record | 28/12 (December)/1989 |
| Length of Record | 14/1/1983-1/1/2001 |
| Instrumentation | Weed PRT with an accuracy of ±0.5°C |
| Geospatial Location | Automated Weather Station D-80 [70°6'S, 134°53'W, elevation: 2500m (8202ft)] |
References
Eos Earth and Space Science News of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) published on 1 March 2017.
Discussion
Synoptically on 28 December 1989 associated with this temperature extreme, the 500 hPa flow shows a ridge situated around 130ºE over the Southern Ocean on the 28th with marked warm air advection southward towards D-80. This strong ridge had been persistent over the area for the prior four days, first establishing itself on 24th of December. The committee noted that, at high elevations, insolation under clear skies will warm the air and contribute to the record high temperature and that is the case in this situation. However, it was noted that in some cases high insolation can cause spurious warming of the temperature sensor if the sensor is not properly ventilated but, in this situation, the committee concluded that there should have been sufficient ventilation of the sensor.
WMO Region VII (Antarctica)