Arctic sea ice hits 10th lowest summer minimum in 2026
Arctic sea ice shrank to 4.6 million square kilometers at its 2026 summer low, tying for the 10th lowest extent since satellites began tracking in 1978. This marks the 20th straight year where summer ice has stayed among the lowest on record. Ice is both thinner and younger now, with less of the older, multi-year ice surviving. Scientists say long-term decline can’t be explained by weather alone—rising global temperatures play a major role.
- 2026 summer minimum ties 2008, 2010, and 2025
- 4.6 million square kilometers of ice at the minimum
- Last 20 summers all among lowest recorded
- Ice is getting thinner and younger overall
Sources covering this
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