Antarctic Ozone Hole Largest In A Decade, Recovery Still On Track

The Antarctic ozone hole reached its largest extent in a decade in 2026, ranking as the seventh largest in 48 years of monitoring, according to NASA and NOAA. Satellite observations showed it peaked at 10.5 million square miles on September 18.

Scientists attributed the expansion to an unusually powerful polar vortex, supported by weak planetary-scale weather systems during August and September.

NASA scientist Paul Newman noted that the ozone hole could have been another one to two million square miles larger without these international protection measures. Older ozone-depleting compounds are also continuing to break down, supporting the gradual recovery of the Antarctic ozone layer.

Related Tweet:

This year's ozone hole over the Antarctic was the largest in a decade, according to a new report by NOAA and NASA. https://t.co/9BdgLqdKKE

— ABC News (@ABC) November 4, 2026

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff