Antarctica experiences hottest day ever
The continent of Antarctica had its hottest day ever in recorded history earlier this week, as temperatures soared to 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (17.5 C) for the first time, eclipsing a record that's lasted over 50 years.
Base Esperanza, a research station run by Argentina situated on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, recorded the warm weather. The last time the region experienced such a high temperature was in April of 1961, when a high record of 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit was set at Base Marambio, another Argentinean base in the region. Scientists were particularly puzzled at the high temperature because it took place directly in the center of the autumn season for Antarctica. Base Esperanza typically experiences its hottest days in December with averages of around 37.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal March averages, in comparison, are closer to 31.1 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.5 C).
Base Esperanza, a research station run by Argentina situated on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, recorded the warm weather. The last time the region experienced such a high temperature was in April of 1961, when a high record of 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit was set at Base Marambio, another Argentinean base in the region. Scientists were particularly puzzled at the high temperature because it took place directly in the center of the autumn season for Antarctica. Base Esperanza typically experiences its hottest days in December with averages of around 37.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal March averages, in comparison, are closer to 31.1 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.5 C).