Arctic Sea Ice Near Record Lows

Kurznachricht · 31.07.2026

Arctic sea ice is running at near-record lows in 2026. In winter, the ice reached one of the lowest maximums ever recorded for the second year in a row; in July, too, its extent was among the smallest for the season. The shortfall is roughly twice the size of Texas. Researchers link the trend to warming – less ice lets the ocean absorb more heat, which speeds up melting.

In context: Shrinking sea ice reshapes ocean currents and weather around the world.

Sources: NASA/NSIDC, Met Office, Carbon Brief. Symbolic image (iceberg).