Arctic Sea Ice Continues Record Lows Pace in Midwinter – The Weather Channel
Article Synopsis – Ice extent in the Arctic region set daily record lows every single day in December, though the month overall had the second-lowest amount of ice extent on record, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Last January also had very low ice extent in the Arctic, ranking as the smallest in size in records back to 1979. At the current rate, this January could challenge that record set a year ago. Playing a role in the lack of ice growth that we’ve seen from late 2016 into early 2017 are the well-above-average temperatures that have been parked over the Arctic. In addition to the ice extent running low, the concentration of the ice where it does exist is also below average in some areas. If the current level of carbon dioxide output continues, the Arctic region could be completely ice-free by the middle of this century at its annual minimum in September. To read the actual article click here.