Arctic sea ice may drop to lowest level ever Boulder CO, August 26th  - The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported that sea ice in the Arctic now covers about 2.03 million square miles. With shrinking expected to continue through September it's possible that this year will see the least amount of sea ice since measurements began in 1979. Within "five to less than 10 years," the Arctic could be free of sea ice in the summer, said NASA ice scientist Jay Zwally. More from Seth Borenstein and Dan Joilng for the AP Add Comment (0) Hits: 233