Antarctica’s west coast is missing an area of winter sea ice the size of France. Temperatures have climbed up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, stopping ice from forming in the dead of Antarctic winter.
The unusual warmth has left large stretches of ocean without the usual ice cover at this time of year.
Concerns have risen for threatened penguins and other marine life that depend on the ice for habitat and breeding.
The reduced ice could also contribute to higher global sea levels over time.
Scientists are monitoring the situation closely as the Antarctic winter continues.