Fears over Antarctic sea ice as yearly ozone layer hole forms ‘very early’

Melting icebergs on Horseshoe Island, Antarctic. Scientists say a larger ozone hole than normal above the continent may further reduce levels of sea ice. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The hole in the ozone layer has begun to form early this year, prompting warnings that a larger-than-average hole may further warm the Southern Ocean while the level of Antarctic sea ice is at a record low.

Satellite data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts suggests the hole has already begun to form over Antarctica.