I suspect some rapid melt in the next 7 days around greenland
temps well over 0c forecast
Same as i, because not only of temp, also on thickness: http://data.seaiceportal.de/maps/smos/n/2017/thumbs_800/thick_n_20170430.png
It will be interesting to see if this anticipated melting is sufficient to keep 2017 in amongst the "lowest 3 for the day" values.
Here is a variant on Deeenngee's chart at #4178, with data up to, and including, the 1st May (i.e. Day 121).
Tips on interpretation;
Only years with around ~90 (or more) entries in the "lowest 3" are shown.
Generally, each year has 5 columns...
Col 1: status at end of 2015
Col 2: status at end of 2016
Col 3: maximum still possible by end of 2017
Col 4: positions already achieved thus far in 2017 (i.e. "locked")
Col 5: positions held last year between NOW and 31st Dec 2016 (i.e. "vulnerable")
Therefore difference between Col 1 & Col 2 equates to positions lost last year, and the difference between Col 2 & Col 3 equates to positions lost since 1st Jan 2017.