Sea ice in the Arctic has reached its lowest point for this year. On September 12, the ice covered about 4.6 million square kilometers. That result ties with 2008, 2010, and 2025 as the 10th-lowest ever recorded. In fact, the past 20 years have produced the 20 smallest minimums since 1978. Arctic ice normally melts through spring and summer and reaches its low point in September.
Interestingly, the melt has slowed down over the last decade. Scientists say more clouds have blocked sunlight and prevented faster melting. One expert said the levels have stopped falling but remain very low. Near the South Pole, the sea ice is now approaching its yearly maximum. It recently lost around 300,000 square kilometers in six days before growing again.