The Met Office has just published its latest briefing on Arctic and Antarctic sea ice.
The update doesn’t reveal any record-breaking figures, but it does reveal that sea ice loss remains a serious issue.
Alex West who co-ordinates the sea ice briefings said: “After last year’s record-breaking minimum extent of sea ice in the Antarctic, the latest update shows greater sea ice extent than last year, but it is still the second lowest on record for the time of year.
Following a warm June, Arctic sea ice extent is below average for the time of year but some way above record low levels, with conditions fairly typical of recent years.
“Extent is particularly low in the Laptev Sea and in the Atlantic sector, but nearer average in other parts of the Arctic.
“This year’s September Arctic sea ice extent is likely to be well below average, but there are not yet heightened indications of a new record low.”
See here for the full briefing.
Arctic insights
The Advancing Arctic Capabilities programme – a new project led by the Met Office -brings international partners to develop an improved understanding of what is happening to the region’s ice, ocean and atmosphere to support global climate resilience.
The project will deliver cutting-edge insights into Arctic weather patterns and ocean currents.