JAXA DATA - Extent as at 12 May = 20,498,076 km2, 166k below 2017
In the last two days above average extent loss in the Arctic but above average extent gain in the Antarctic has meant that global extent gain has increased again.
On average, a maximum of 24 million km2, second lowest, is on the cards, with a relatively low range of 23 million to 25 million km2 outcomes from the last 10 years remaining extent gain.
On average, 61% of extent gain done, but with 6 months to go.
ps:- Due to the different timings of Antarctic gain and Arctic loss, there is a secondary minimum of global extent in late August or September. At the moment, this also looks like a record low is very possible. See last table attached.