New Delhi, April 3 -- This year, winter sea ice cover in the Arctic reached its lowest-ever annual peak on March 22, 2025, according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The peak was the lowest recorded since satellite measurements began in 1979, 47 years ago. At 14.33 million square kilometres, the maximum extent fell below the previous record low of 14.41 million square kilometres set in 2017.

After its seasonal growth through autumn and winter, Arctic sea ice appears to have reached its annual maximum extent in 2025. This year's maximum is a staggering 1.32 million square kilometres below the 1981-2010 average of 15.65 million square kilometres. To put this into perspectiv...