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This page is devoted to information on the state of the polar cryosphere (focus slightly more on the Arctic, with some Antarctic information). Most of the images will update automatically, so check daily. The cryosphere (ice) helps keep this planet cool but is quickly being destroyed by abrupt climate change and related global average warming. The loss of ice, particularly sea ice from the Arctic accelerates global warming even more by a reduction in the reflection of sunlight, loss of ice as a heat sink, increasing permafrost melt, and releasing more carbon dioxide and methane. It also leads to the continued destabilization of the jet stream and ocean circulations, intensifying extreme weather events. You can read more about the Arctic tipping point HERE and HERE.

Air Temperature Anomaly (1979-2000 Climatology):

Arctic Temperature Anomaly Adjustment to Pre-Industrial (1720-1800): Add 1.5 C to 1979-2000 value.

Antarctic Temperature Anomaly Adjustment: Add 0.3 C to 1979-2000 value

World/Hemisphere Temperature Anomaly Adjustment: Add 0.7 C to 1979-2000 value.

Actual Air Temperatures (in degrees C): 

Sea-Surface Temperature Anomaly (1961-1990 Climatology): 

Arctic-

Antarctic-

Actual Sea-Surface Temperatures (in degrees C):

Arctic-

Antarctic-

Arctic Sea Ice Extent Graph: 

Antarctic Sea Ice Extent Graph:

Global Sea Ice Extent Graph:  

Arctic Sea Ice Extent/Concentration Map: 

Antarctic Sea Ice Extent/Concentration Map: 

Arctic Sea Ice Thickness and Volume: 

Greenland Melt: 

Temperature Anomaly Forecasts (in degrees C; 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 7-Day Mean from latest US Global Forecast System Model Run): 

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Antarctic-

Arctic Temperature Anomaly Adjustment to Pre-Industrial (1720-1800): Add 1.8 C to 1981-2010 value.

Antarctic Temperature Anomaly Adjustment: Add 0.4 C to 1981-2010 value.

----Meteorologist Nick Humphrey