This winter, Antarctica’s sea ice reached just 17.81 million km² on September 17, marking the third-lowest maximum in 47 years of satellite records. That’s far below the historic average, showcasing how our planet’s southern pole is feeling the heat. 🌍❄️
Every year during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, the ocean around Antarctica freezes hundreds of kilometers beyond the continent. The freeze usually peaks in September or October before the thawing cycle begins. But recent years have seen unusually low highs:
- 2023: All-time low maximum
- 2024: Second-lowest peak
- 2025: Third-lowest at 17.81 million km²
Why does this matter? Sea ice acts like Earth’s natural sunscreen, bouncing sunlight back into space. Less ice means more solar absorption, faster warming and ripple effects on global weather, ocean currents and marine ecosystems. 🐧💧
Scientists warn that these trends could reshape Antarctica’s future and intensify climate feedback loops. As the ice edge retreats, researchers are racing to understand what’s next for the frozen continent and our planet’s climate system.
Reference(s):
Antarctic sea ice hits its third-lowest winter peak on record
cgtn.com
