Arctic Sea Ice Hits Record Low for 2026 Season

WHO:

NASA - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is involved in reporting the sea ice extent.

NSIDC - The National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder is also involved in the reporting.

WHAT:

NASA - Arctic sea ice reached its annual minimum extent, covering an estimated 1.78 million square miles (4.6 million square kilometers).

NASA - This extent ties with the years 2008, 2010, and 2025 for the 10th-lowest minimum in the satellite record.

WHERE:

NASA - The Arctic region is the location where the sea ice extent was measured.

WHEN:

NASA - The annual minimum extent of Arctic sea ice was recorded on Sept. 12, 2026.

WHY:

NASA - The article does not provide specific reasons for the record low extent of sea ice.

HOW:

NASA - The extent of Arctic sea ice is measured using satellite data.

(UPDATED September 24, 2026 11:02 UTC)

NASA has reported that Arctic sea ice has reached its annual minimum extent, covering an estimated 1.78 million square miles, which ties with the years 2008, 2010, and 2025 for the 10th-lowest minimum in the satellite record. This measurement was taken in the Arctic region on September 12, 2026, with the data collected through satellite technology. The National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder is also involved in this reporting, although no specific reasons were provided for the record low extent of sea ice.