Extremes of 40C above normal: what’s causing ‘extraordinary’ heating in polar regions?

Scientists have been shocked by high temperatures in both Antarctica and the Arctic in recent days, with one Antarctic station recording a temperature more than 40C above seasonal norms. Photograph: Natalie Thomas/Reuters

Unusually high temperatures in both Antarctica and the Arctic in recent days have shocked researchers, who warn that extremes will become more common as a result of the climate crisis.

Concordia station, high on the Antarctic Plateau, hit a record temperature of -11.8C on Friday, more than 40C warmer than seasonal norms. Vostok station registered a temperature of -17.7C, beating its record by 15C.