Antarctic Ozone Hole Expands Above Average in Early September 2026
CAMS said the hole is about 5 million square kilometres above average, while minimum ozone and ozone mass deficit stayed near historical levels.
- The Antarctic ozone hole reached an estimated 25 million square kilometres on September 12, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service , following typical development during August.
- Rapid expansion coincided with a sharp temperature drop approximately 20 kilometres above the South Pole, creating polar stratospheric clouds that activate ozone-destroying chlorine and bromine compounds.
- This area is about five million square kilometres larger than the seasonal average, though it remains below the record 29.6 million square kilometres measured on September 9, 2006.
- CAMS Director Laurence Rouil noted that other indicators, including the minimum ozone level and mass deficit, remain close to historical averages, suggesting no reversal in long-term recovery.
- Repairing the ozone layer remains a slow process because ozone-depleting substances persist in the atmosphere for decades, while the Montreal Protocol continues guiding global efforts to protect people from ultraviolet radiation.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Antarctic Ozone Hole Expands Above Average in Early September 2026
The 2026 Antarctic ozone hole reached about 25 million square kilometres on September 12, roughly five million square kilometres above average CAMS says the hole’s surface area grew rapidly, but other measurements remain close to historical averages BONN — CLIMATE NEWS — September 16, 2026 — The Antarctic ozone hole expanded more quickly than usual during the first half of September, reaching an estimated 25 million square kilometres by Septembe…
Two simultaneous reports from the World Meteorological Organisation and the European Copernicus Observatory published this Wednesday, 16 September, point to a long-term improvement and a recent deterioration in the phenomenon.
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service warns ozone hole is expanding sharply and could grow further
According to the latest surveys, the speed and size of the hole are higher than the data of recent years. The influence of temperatures and climatic factors remains central in the phenomenon
THE OZONE hole in 2025 is one of the smallest in decades thanks to environmental measures, but experts warn of an increase in harmful UV radiation.
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