News & Stories
Across the globe, snow and ice play a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate and providing freshwater resources to people, plants, and animals.
In this section
As Earth’s frozen regions change rapidly, NSIDC is committed to growing its research and open access data to better understand these changes. Read about NSIDC research and its contribution to science and policy making. Check out spotlights on how to use NSIDC data, tools, and resources. Learn about how we steward data and collaborate with scientists and organizations across the world to understand how the frozen parts of Earth affect the rest of the planet and impact society.
News and stories
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Spotlight
Since its inception, the Arctic Report Card has relied upon NSIDC scientists as authors and/or editors nearly every year, and incorporated NSIDC data in every single issue.
News Release
Arctic sea ice has likely reached its maximum extent for the year, at 14.29 million square kilometers (5.52 million square miles) on March 15, according to scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The 2026 winter sea ice extent edged just below last year’s record of 14.31 million square kilometers (5.53 million square miles), statistically tying for the lowest maximum in the 48-year satellite record.
News Release
Antarctic sea ice has likely reached its minimum extent for the year, at 2.58 million square kilometers (996,000 square miles) on February 26, 2026, ranking sixteenth lowest in the 48-year satellite record.
Analysis - Snow Today
Snow-covered area across the western United States was 38 percent of average for February, ranking last in the 26-year satellite record. The is the second month in a row to reach a record low. Snow water equivalent (SWE) at the beginning of February varied by state, with below average values throughout most of the region.
Ask a Scientist
Since continuous satellite records began in the early 1970s, Northern Hemisphere snow cover has declined overall. The largest losses have occurred in spring and summer, outweighing modest autumn and winter gains. Though the overall trend is significant, it does not capture all the details, such as how snow cover changes vary by location and season.
Analysis - Snow Today
A snow drought has gripped the US West. January has set a record for lowest snow cover in 26 years of satellite monitoring. Although snow water equivalent (SWE) had some increases at almost all monitoring stations, many still finished the month with below-average SWE.