Scientists have just discovered something int he Arctic that could totally change how they see the drastically changing temperatures in the region. Temperatures have soared to an astonishing 36 degrees Fahrenheit above where they usually are, resulting in record low levels of sea ice in the Arctic region at a time when it should be expanding significantly.

Researchers recently checked a buoy near the North Pole and found a reading of near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or close to the freezing point of water. That is way warmer than it should be at this time of year, and it could mean the level of sea ice is actually shrinking despite the fact that it is the winter and it should be expanding.

This is a very problematic sign for the environment, and it has resulted in strange temperature patterns worldwide. An extremely cold pocket of air has been sitting over Siberia even as the Arctic continues to warm up. We are likely to continue to see these odd patterns of temperatures as climate change takes greater hold, scientists say.

“Average Arctic sea ice extent for November set a record low, reflecting unusually high air temperatures, winds from the south, and a warm ocean,” reads a statement from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. “Since October, Arctic ice extent has been more than two standard deviations lower than the long-term average. Antarctic sea ice extent quickly declined in November, also setting a record low for the month and tracking more than two standard deviations below average during the entire month. For the globe as a whole, sea ice cover was exceptionally low.”