Arctic sea ice usually shrinks in September and this year it was only the eighth lowest on record for the melting season. Arctic winter sea ice maximum levels in 2017 were the smallest they’ve ever been for the season when ice normally grows. About 79% of the Arctic sea ice is thin and only a year old. In 1985, 45% of the sea ice in the Arctic was thick, older ice, said NOAA Arctic scientist Emily Osborne. Research also shows changes in Arctic sea ice and temperature can alter the jet stream, which is a major factor in US weather.

Source: The Guardian December 12, 2017 19:05 UTC