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Antarctic ozone hole surges to alarming size
Scientists report the ozone hole over Antarctica has expanded sharply in September, reaching levels well above historical averages for this time of year.
In brief
Scientists report the ozone hole over Antarctica has expanded sharply in September, reaching levels well above historical averages for this time of year. The ozone hole over Antarctica grew dramatically in early September 2026, expanding 1.9 million square miles beyond typical levels, driven by sudden temperature…
Ozone hole expands sharply
The ozone hole over Antarctica grew from 15 million square kilometers in August to 25 million square kilometers by September 12, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.
Growth far exceeds normal levels
The September expansion was 5 million square kilometers above the historical average for this period, marking a dramatic acceleration from the typical development rate seen in August.
What the ozone layer does
The ozone layer sits 7 to 25 miles above Earth and acts like sunscreen, blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation that causes skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage.
Cold triggers ozone destruction
A sudden temperature drop in early September allowed polar stratospheric clouds to form, which activate chemicals that remove ozone when exposed to sunlight.
Hole reopens each spring
The ozone hole over Antarctica reopens every austral spring from September to November as atmospheric conditions change, though recent years have seen smaller holes than in the past.
Record hole in the 1970s
In the late 1970s, the ozone hole reached a record 29.6 million square kilometers, but the smaller holes in recent years suggested the ozone layer was recovering.
Human emissions caused thinning
Over nearly 50 years, human-caused emissions have thinned the ozone layer, with the most severe damage occurring over Antarctica where conditions favor ozone destruction.
CFCs were the main culprit
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigeration and aerosols were destroying stratospheric ozone, prompting international action.
Montreal Protocol shows results
The 1987 Montreal Protocol phased out CFCs and led to the first signs of Antarctic ozone layer recovery, with the upper stratosphere at lower latitudes showing clear improvement.
Recovery stalling at mid-latitudes
A new study found the ozone layer is not recovering between 60 degrees north and 60 degrees south latitude, where most of the world's population lives, including London.
Climate change may be shifting ozone
Researchers believe climate change could be altering atmospheric circulation patterns, causing more ozone to be transported away from the tropics where it is produced.
New chemicals pose a threat
Very short-lived substances containing chlorine and bromine, used in solvents and paint strippers, may be destroying ozone in the lower stratosphere at mid-latitudes.
August was hottest month ever
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service confirmed August 2026 was the warmest month on record, with global temperatures 1.65 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Record sea temperatures rising
August also saw average sea surface temperatures hit record highs, signaling that El Niño is strengthening and climate change is driving extremes across the atmosphere and oceans.
Impacts felt worldwide
Record global temperatures and sea surface temperatures are increasingly affecting communities, economies, and ecosystems across the world through climate-driven extreme events.
Here's the gist
The ozone hole over Antarctica grew dramatically in early September 2026, expanding 1.9 million square miles beyond typical levels, driven by sudden temperature drops that activate ozone-destroying chemicals.
