2026 Antarctic Ozone Hole Grows to Biggest in a Decade While Recovery Stays on Track

Key facts

• The 2026 Antarctic ozone hole reached its largest extent in a decade, ranking as the seventh largest in 48 years of monitoring, according to NASA and NOAA.
• Satellite observations showed the ozone hole 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.
• Despite the increase, researchers say the ozone layer's long-term recovery remains on track as Montreal Protocol controls continue to reduce ozone-depleting substances.
• NASA scientist Paul Newman noted the ozone hole could have been another one to two million square miles larger without international protection measures.