Record low temperatures around the world
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Record Low Temperatures: Global Patterns and Extremes
Coldest Places on Earth: Antarctica and Beyond
The coldest recorded temperature on Earth is -110.9 °C, observed in Antarctica, making it the planet’s most extreme cold region . Specifically, Vostok station in Antarctica holds the record for the lowest measured air temperature at -89.2 °C, recorded on July 21, 1983. This event was the result of several unique meteorological conditions, including a near-record low midtropospheric vortex, minimal warm air intrusion, low wind speeds, and clear skies that allowed significant heat loss to space. Researchers estimate that even lower temperatures, possibly around -96 °C, could be reached under prolonged isolation, especially at higher sites like Dome Argus, which is typically 5–6 K colder than Vostok .
Other extremely cold regions include northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada, which have also documented some of the lowest air temperature minima globally .
Factors Influencing Record Low Temperatures
Record low temperatures are influenced by a combination of atmospheric and surface conditions. In Antarctica, the persistence of a circular flow regime, absence of clouds, and low wind speeds are critical for extreme cooling events . These factors prevent the influx of warmer air and maximize radiative heat loss, setting the stage for record-breaking cold.
Variability and Trends in Extreme Cold Events
While Antarctica remains the coldest region, other parts of the world also experience record low temperatures during specific weather events. For example, in January, a southward shift of the polar vortex led to all-time low temperature records in the central and eastern United States, including Chicago and New York . Such events highlight the role of atmospheric circulation patterns in driving extreme cold spells outside polar regions.
Global Patterns and Biome Differences
Globally, the lowest average minimum land surface temperatures are found in tundra biomes, with zonal averages reaching as low as -66.6 ± 14.8 °C. These patterns show strong latitudinal variation, with the coldest extremes concentrated in polar and subpolar regions .
Recent Climate Trends and Record Lows
Recent years have seen a surge in global mean temperatures, with 2023 reaching nearly 1.5 K above pre-industrial levels. However, this warming trend does not eliminate the occurrence of record low temperatures, which are still possible under the right meteorological conditions. Changes in planetary albedo and cloud cover are now recognized as important factors influencing both warming and cooling extremes .
Conclusion
Record low temperatures are most extreme in Antarctica, with Vostok station holding the current record. These events are driven by unique atmospheric conditions and are also observed in other cold regions like Siberia, Greenland, and Canada. While global warming is raising average temperatures, the potential for record cold events remains, shaped by complex interactions between atmospheric circulation, surface conditions, and climate variability 1245.
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