Antarctic Sea Ice Level could Exceed Record of 7.7 Million Square Miles | The Westside StoryAntarctica has set a new sea ice record, which is odd considering the global temperature is rising, though scientists said global warming is likely the reason for the increase. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSICD) said this week the sea ice extent already hit the record for the third straight year with a few weeks to spare.Read the first sentence again... They must think we're stupid.