Antarctic Sea Ice Hits 2026 Maximum – Third‑Lowest on Record

On September 14, 2026, Antarctic sea ice reached its annual maximum extent, covering an estimated 17.59 million square kilometres (6.79 million square miles). That figure is the third‑lowest maximum in the satellite record, according to NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The Antarctic, a continent surrounded by ocean, typically expands during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter and retreats by February. From 1979 to 2014, Antarctic sea ice grew about 1 % per decade, but the trend reversed in 2015 and has since declined, with record lows in both minimum and maximum observed in 2023. Satellite observations rely on passive microwave sensors that detect the higher microwave emission of ice versus open water, allowing continuous monitoring regardless of cloud cover. The 2026 maximum underscores the variability of Antarctic ice and its sensitivity to climate drivers, offering a key benchmark for scientists tracking long‑term changes in the Southern Ocean’s cryosphere.