What is Sudden Stratospheric Warming?

This spring, we will be seeing the effects of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) in the Antarctic which will be driving a strong change in Australia’s weather patterns over the springtime period.

This rare phenomenon occurs when the upper atmosphere approximately 30km above the Antarctic’s sea level warms by between 25°C and 50°C.

The first occurrence of SSW on record since the 1950s occurred in September 2002. At the time, we did not have the technology to predict such an event. However, now, meteorologists are able to understand this change in weather pattern better. This year’s SSW is expected to be the strongest on record, surpassing the effects of the warming in 2002 somewhat significantly. There has only been one other sudden stratospheric warming event, which occurred in September 2010.

While sudden stratospheric warming is not thought to be caused from climate change, it is important to note the effect it has on the climate, especially in relation to other climate related events.

During a period of SSW, Tasmania and South Australia will experience colder temperatures. However, New South Wales and Queensland will receive higher temperatures and a decrease in rainfall. These two states will also see an increase of heatwaves and fire risks over the period of SSW, which usually lasts between eight…