Inter-hemispheric comparison of PMCs and their environment from SOFIE observations

► Polar mesospheric clouds have greater mass density in the northern hemisphere. ► Hemispheric PMC differences are attributed to temperature since water vapour is similar. ► PMCs exist on similar pressure levels in the north and south. ► South is lofted in altitude due to a warmer middle atmosphere compared to the north. ► PMC variability is described by model results using observed temperature and water.