US EditionAntarctic Sea Ice Rebounds in 2026, Nearing Average After Four Years
Antarctic sea ice reached a minimum of 2.58 million sq km, 730,000 sq km above the 2023 record low but still below the 1981–2010 average, US scientists reported.
- On March 9, US scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center said Antarctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum of 2.58 million square kilometres on Feb 26, nearing the long-term summer average after four years of lows.
- Strong southerly winds in January–February pushed sea ice outward in the Weddell Sea, slowing decline, while Dr Walt Meier said large year-to-year variability caused this year's rebound.
- Measurements show the 2026 minimum ranks as the 16th smallest since satellite record since 1979, 2.58 million km² below the 1981–2010 average but 730,000 km² above the 2023 record low.
- The NSIDC cautioned that the 2026 figure is preliminary and said continued melt or strong onshore winds could still push extent lower, while scientists measure the annual minimum during the southern‑hemisphere summer.
- Through most of the year, Antarctic sea ice was below daily averages, creating a late rebound toward average conditions, complicating trend interpretation and seasonal forecasts, the NSIDC preliminary warning said.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Antarctic Sea Ice Shows Recovery After Years of Extreme Lows
After several years of worrying lows, scientists say the icy cover around Antarctica may have staged a modest rebound this year. According to researchers at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, Antarctic sea ice likely reached its summer minimum on February 26. It was at about 2.58 million square kilometres.Every year, sea ice naturally shrinks during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. That seasonal low is …
The sea ice cover in Antarctica was probably recovered this year, approaching the average summer after four years of extremely low levels, American scientists said on this Tuesday. According to specialists at the National Data Centre for Snow and Gelo (NSIDC) of the University of Colorado in Boulder, the marine ice cover area in Antarctica was likely to reach its annual level of 2.58 million square kilometres on 26 February.
Antarctic sea ice extent has likely recovered this year, approaching its annual summer average after four years of extreme lows, US scientists said on Monday.
It has posted a lower annual rate close to its average of the last 50 years.
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