What is a Sudden Stratospheric Warming
A Sudden Stratospheric Warming is an atmospheric extreme event which might be underway above Antarctica right now. CCRC Senior Research Fellow Martin Jucker explains.
Published on the 15 April 2026
CCRC Senior Research Fellow Martin Jucker explains in this The Conversation article what a Sudden Stratospheric Warming is, how it developed, and what it might mean for our weather this spring and summer.
Right now, cold air high above Antarctica is up to 35ºC warmer than normal. Normally, strong winds and the lack of sun would keep the temperature at around –55°C. But it’s risen sharply to around –20°C.
The sudden heating began in early September and is still taking place. Three separate pulses of heat have each pushed temperatures up by 25ºC or more. Temperatures spiked and fell back and spiked again.
It looks as if an unusual event known as sudden stratospheric warming is taking place – the unexpected warming of the stratosphere, 12 to 40 kilometres above ground.
You can also watch Martin’s national TV interviews for ABC and Channel 10 News+ below.