Arctic sea ice hits 10th-lowest minimum on record in 2026

On September 12, 2026, Arctic sea ice reached its annual minimum at about 4.6 million square kilometers, tying 2008, 2010 and 2025 for the 10th-lowest level since satellite records began in 1978. The March 2026 winter maximum statistically tied March 2025 for the lowest winter peak on record.

• 2026 minimum of 4.6 million sq km is 10th-lowest since 1978
• March 2026 tied March 2025 for lowest winter maximum
• Multiyear ice is shrinking as thinner first-year ice dominates
• Scientists project an ice-free Arctic summer before mid-century