It is important to understand that the maximum extent of sea ice during the winter is a less important climatic indicator than the minimum extent in summer. (sindark.com)
Despite an especially warm winter, the current extent of sea ice does not represent a new record low; nevertheless, the amount of ice loss is massive. (sciencedaily.com)
In late summer (February - March) the areal extent of sea ice around Antarctica is about 4 106 km2. (www-das.uwyo.edu)