Polar sea ice
Assessed by an AI model against this signal's rubric. Describes conditions; not a forecast or advice.
WatchStableArctic -1.73, Antarctic -1.62M km²
Both poles well below normal sea-ice extent, but not at record lows
Why it's at this level
On 31 Oct Arctic sea-ice extent was 7.84 million km², 1.73 million below the 1981–2010 average and the sixth-lowest for the date. Antarctic extent was 1.62 million below average, second-lowest for the date. Neither pole is at a record low.
What this means for you
Low sea ice amplifies warming and can disturb weather patterns, including European winters.
Why it matters
Sea ice reflects sunlight and regulates ocean circulation; record lows accelerate warming.
What moves it
Air and ocean temperatures, winds, season.
Status at each of the last 2 checks
How it's rated
Alert
Either pole at a record low for the calendar date.
Watch
Either pole below −1.0 million km².
Normal
Arctic and Antarctic extent anomalies both above −1.0 million km² vs 1981–2010.
Sources
- NSIDC — Sea Ice Index (v4)2026-10-30