EventThe U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC) determined the 2026 annual minimum sea‑ice extent to be a 3‑day average of 4.77 million km², centered on 14 September. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) reported 4.60 million km² on 12 September. The difference reflects distinct data sources and the 3‑day running‑average method USNIC uses since 2006, placing the 2026 minimum 10th‑lowest in the satellite record.
US National Ice Center reports the 2026 Arctic sea ice minimum of 4.77 million km² on September 14, a 6.1 % higher extent than the 2006‑2026 average, and 3.8 % larger than the NSIDC estimate due to differing methods.
Dan Bross discusses this year's Arctic Sea ice minimum with Rick Thoman, comparing it to satellite records since 1979.
Arctic sea ice reached its annual minimum extent for 2026 on September 12, covering about 4.6 million square kilometers, tying for the tenth lowest since satellite records began.
Antarctic sea ice recorded its third‑lowest winter peak at 17.59 million km² on 14 September, while Arctic sea ice reached a record‑tie minimum of 4.60 million km² on 12 September, raising concerns that the persistence of low values could indicate a structural shift.
NASA reports the Arctic sea ice extent has hit its lowest minimum this year, tied for the 10th‑lowest on record.
Arctic sea ice likely reached its minimum extent for 2026 at 1.78 million square miles on Sept. 12, tying for the 10th lowest record in nearly 48 years.
Sea ice at this year’s lowest point has spurred a surge in shipping traffic along Russia’s Arctic coast, with activity now at historic highs.
Sea ice at its lowest level this year propels shipping traffic to historic highs across the Arctic.
