Lowest recorded temperature
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Lowest Recorded Temperature: A Comprehensive Overview
Northern Hemisphere's Coldest Temperature: Klinck, Greenland
The lowest recorded near-surface air temperature in the Northern Hemisphere was observed at the Klinck Automatic Weather Station (AWS) in Greenland. On December 22, 1991, the temperature plummeted to -69.6°C. This record was thoroughly investigated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Extremes Evaluation Committee, which confirmed the credibility of the observation based on instrument calibration, station monitoring, and the synoptic situation1. This temperature is not only the lowest for Greenland but also for the entire Northern and Western Hemispheres and WMO Region VI.
Coldest Temperature on Earth: Vostok Station, Antarctica
The absolute lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was at Vostok Station in Antarctica. On July 21, 1983, the temperature reached a staggering -89.2°C. This record was analyzed using meteorological reanalysis fields, in situ observations, and satellite imagery. The extreme cold was attributed to a combination of factors, including a near-record low mid-tropospheric vortex temperature, minimal warm air advection, low surface wind speeds, and clear skies that facilitated significant heat loss8.
Historical Context and Other Notable Records
South Polar Plateau and Northeastern Siberia
Historically, the South Polar Plateau and northeastern Siberia have been known for their extreme cold temperatures. For instance, the previous world record before Vostok was -74.5°C, recorded at the U.S. Antarctic station at the South Pole on September 17, 1957. Another notable record was -67.7°C observed at Oimekon in eastern Siberia on February 6, 19333.
Greenland and Canada
In Greenland, another significant low temperature was recorded at the French central station on February 21, 1950, where the temperature dropped to -66°C. This is considered one of the coldest troposphere temperatures ever recorded6. In North America, the lowest temperature officially accepted for many years was -79°F (-61.7°C) at Fort Good Hope, Canada, on December 31, 1910, until it was surpassed by a corrected reading of -81°F (-62.8°C) at Snag, Canada, on February 3, 19477.
Implications and Future Projections
Climate Change and Temperature Records
Recent studies have shown a trend of increasing highest temperature records and decreasing lowest temperature records across various regions, including the contiguous United States and South Africa. Observations and climate model simulations from 1980 to 2013 indicate a rise in the extent of absolute highest temperature records and a decline in the extent of absolute lowest temperature records4. This trend is expected to continue, with climate models projecting a further increase in the occurrence of highest temperature records and a decline in lowest temperature records through the mid-21st century10.
Conclusion
The lowest recorded temperatures on Earth highlight the extreme conditions that can occur in polar regions. The record of -89.2°C at Vostok Station remains the coldest temperature ever recorded, while the -69.6°C at Klinck, Greenland, holds the record for the Northern Hemisphere. These records not only provide insights into the climatic extremes of our planet but also underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis to understand and predict future climatic trends.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
WMO evaluation of northern hemispheric coldest temperature: −69.6 °C at Klinck, Greenland, 22 December 1991
The WMO has accepted a record of 69.6°C as the lowest observed near-surface air temperature in Greenland, the Northern and Western Hemispheres, and WMO Region VI.
ON THE LOWEST TEMPERATURES ON EARTH
The South Polar Plateau, northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada have the lowest air temperatures on Earth, as determined by proper documentation and geographical analysis.
THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE IN ANTARCTICA
The -187.4° C record set in Antarctica during the 1958 winter season is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the world.
Observed and projected changes in absolute temperature records across the contiguous United States
From 1980 to 2013, the contiguous United States experienced increased highest temperature records and decreased lowest temperature records, with climate models predicting continued increases in highest temperature records and declines in lowest temperature records through the mid-century.
Global warming and winter weather.
Chicago's O'Hare Airport [16°F (27°C), 6 January] and at Central Park in New York [4°F (15.6°C), 7 January] were set by the polar vortex.
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