Climatologists from Colorado University (CU) Boulder and the University of Gothenburg have used computer models to investigate when the Arctic might experience its first ice-free day. In this context, 'ice-free' means a sea ice area of 1 million square kilometers (386,000 square miles) or less.

Scientists Jahn and Heuzé projected the first ice-free day using computer simulations. In most models, regardless of greenhouse gas emissions, the first ice-free day could occur within nine to 20 years. In the earliest model, it could be between 2027 to 2030.

A polar bear stands on floating sea ice in the Arctic. The bears rely on sea ice to move throughout their hunting grounds.

Asthe Arctic warms at an unprecedented rate, scientists are bracing for an environmental milestone: the first ice-free day in the Arctic Ocean. New research shows that this event could occur as early as 2027 — a sobering prediction that highlights the rapidly escalating effects of climate change.

As the Arctic ice retreats, scientists warn of a pivotal moment approaching. Could the first ice-free day be just around the corner?

The first ice-free day in the Arctic could happen within three years, according to a new study. The research team used computer models to predict when the first ice-free day could happen in the northernmost ocean.