Arctic sea ice extent increased from 13.59 million km² on February 1 to 14.15 million km² on March 1, according to NSIDC data. This represents a 4.1% increase during February, slightly below the long-term February average growth rate of 4.3%. Ice growth slowed between February 20 and 27, when a temporary decrease in Arctic sea ice extent was observed. Expansion resumed on February 28 as the climatological mid-to-late March period for the annual maximum sea ice extent approaches.

The 4.1% growth in February 2026 exceeded the 2.5% increase observed during February 2025, the year that ultimately recorded the lowest maximum Arctic sea ice extent in the 47-year satellite record.

On February 1, Arctic sea ice extent ranked as the third lowest for that date in the satellite era, with only 2018 and 2025 having lower values. As of March 1, the extent of 14.15 million km² ranks as the second lowest in the satellite-era record for that date, with 2025 remaining the lowest.

In 2025, the annual maximum Arctic sea ice extent reached a record-low 14.31 million km² on March 22. As of March 1, 2026, Arctic sea ice extent would need to increase by 0.16 million km² (159 thousand km²), or about 1.1%, to exceed the 2025 record-low maximum and avoid setting a new record for the lowest annual maximum extent.

Image Source: NSIDC