Both of Earth’s poles are experiencing unprecedented heatwaves and climate scientists around the world warn that the alarming events are a sign of the devastating effects of climate change.
Antarctica, which is usually cooling down at this time of year, experienced record-high temperatures that were up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer that unusual.
Temperatures in some areas of the North Pole, which usually warms gradually this time of year, were 30 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Such warm weather is very uncommon for this time of year.
Heatwaves at Earth’s poles extremely concerning
Usually, the Earth’s poles experience opposite weather patterns, with one cooling as the other warms.
Walt Meier, scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, expressed his shock at the even to NBC News.