Sea ice minimum tied for 10th lowest
The Arctic Sea ice extent has passed its annual minimum and transitioned into a new growth season. The 2026 minimum extent was likely reached on September 12 with 4.60 million km² (NSIDC). This value is tied for 10th lowest with the 2008, 2010, and 2025 seasons in the 48-year time series of reliable satellite records. The above data are preliminary as shifting winds may affect ice conditions and cause late season sea ice decrease. Final data will likely be provided by the NSIDC in October. We note that the NSIDC has resumed publication of the “Sea Ice Today” summaries after a budget-related hiatus. We appreciate the “Sea Ice Today” product and thank our colleagues at NSIDC for their work.
Since the September 12 minimum, total Arctic Sea ice extent has increased to 5.316 million km² on September 30th (5-day extent, data source: nsidc.org). Ice extent remains well below normal in the East Siberian, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas. This year’s sea ice evolution remains similar to 2025 despite some regional differences. Compared to last year, ice extent in the Beaufort Sea remained greater through the seasonal minimum period. Ice growth in the Beaufort Sea is expected as we now move into October. The beginning of freeze up in the Chukchi and northern Bering Sea typically occurs later in October or in early November. More detailed regional information on current conditions and the expected timing of freeze up is available in the NOAA sea ice outlook.
