The Arctic has ended the winter with the lowest sea ice coverage on record, US scientists have said. Arctic sea ice melts and regrows over the year, freezing throughout the winter months to reach a maximum extent in late February or March, then melting through the summer to hit a low point in early or mid-September.

Arctic sea ice had its weakest winter buildup since record-keeping began 47 years ago. Scientists say it's a symptom of climate change that will have repercussions in weather globally.

Last weekend, on March 22, the Arctic Sea reached its maximum coverage of ice for the winter season and it is the lowest since satellite records began 47 years ago. The sea ice covered 14.33 million square kilometers (5.