The time has arrived to start taking a close look at the assorted different Arctic sea ice extent metrics, in order to ascertain their respective maxima for 2025. To begin with here’s Zack Labe’s overview of previous years’ maxima:

It now seems highly likely that 2025’s maximum extent will ultimately prove to be the lowest in the satellite era. The remaining question is when this year’s maximum will occur.

My speculation yesterday that AWI’s flavour of Arctic sea ice extent had already achieved its maximum value for 2025 has been negated today:

The NSIDC 5 day average and JAXA extent metrics are also currently at their maximum levels for the year so far, so let’s wait and see which one is the first to take a downward turn.

To be continued