Arctic sea ice had its weakest winter buildup since record-keeping began 47 years ago. Scientists say it’s a symptom of climate change that will have repercussions in weather globally. The Arctic reaches its maximum sea ice in March each year and then starts a six-month melt season. The National Snow and Ice Data Center says that the Arctic hit its peak Saturday at 5.53 million square miles, which is 30,000 square miles smaller than the previous record low set in 2017. That’s a difference about the size of California. Scientists said warming conditions in the Arctic — the region is warming four times faster than the rest of the world — affect weather elsewhere. Arctic sea ice had its weakest winter buildup since record-keeping began 47 years ago. Scientists say it’s a symptom of climate change that will have repercussions in weather globally. The Arctic reaches its maximum sea ice in March each year and then starts a six-month melt season. The National Snow and Ice Data Center says that the Arctic hit its peak Saturday at 5.53 million square miles, which is 30,000 square miles smaller than the previous record low set in 2017. That’s a difference about the size of California. Scientists said warming conditions in the Arctic — the region is warming four times faster than the rest of the world — affect weather elsewhere. AP Technology and Science
