Arctic Sea Ice Hits Record Low Winter Level Amid Global Heat Wave

Key Points

• Arctic sea ice tied for lowest winter level on record
• March heat records broken across US, Mexico, Australia, Northern Africa and Northern Europe
• Summer melt season preceding September minimum is the critical period
• Winter sea ice levels are variable but indicate broader warming trends

Full Details

Vital Arctic sea ice shrank to tie its lowest measured level for the winter season, the time of year when ice typically grows, as a warming Earth shattered temperature records across multiple continents. The shrinking Arctic sea ice was announced Thursday as temperatures broke March heat records across the United States, all over Mexico, in Australia, across Northern Africa and through parts of Northern Europe. Each year Arctic sea ice grows over the cold winter and shrinks in the heat of summer. According to climate expert Meier, the summer melt season, which precedes the September measurement known as the Arctic sea ice minimum, is really the critical time. While winter sea ice growth is more variable with weather changes, the record low March levels signal continued warming trends.