The vortex/jet stream of Antarctica was very, very still not long ago and provided the only air movement. The winds were calm.

This is not the case now. The vortex over Antarctica is directing the heat to areas over WAIS. The movement of heat is verified by observing some temperatures.

Vostok is very warm compared to where the reporting station was a short time ago:

Vostok, Antarctica

Elevation: 11220 ft / 3420 m

Temperature :: -57 °F / -49 °C

Conditions :: Clear

Humidity: 42%

Dew Point: -64 °F / -54 °C

Wind: 9 mph / 15 km/h from the North

Wind Gust: -

Pressure: (Steady)

Visibility: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers


THE ENTIRE continent is registering higher temperatures (click on). There are many more reporting stations over zero today. That was not the case yesterday and far more 'temperate' reporting stations.

The warmest is on the Peninsula but no longer approaching zero:

Base Jubany, Antarctica

Elevation :: 13 ft / 4 m

Temperature :: 44 °F / 6 °C

Conditions :: Light Drizzle

Humidity :: 78%

Dew Point :: 39 °F / 4 °C

Wind :: 44 mph / 70 km/h from the NW

Wind Gust :: -

Pressure :: 29.15 in / 987 hPa (Falling)

Visibility :: 1.0 miles / 2.0 kilometers

UV :: 0 out of 16

Clouds :: Overcast 394 ft / 120 m

(Above Ground Level)