Possible influence of the tropospheric polar vortex on the Barents Sea ice extent in winter

The Arctic seas are mainly located inside the polar vortex under conditions of low temperature. Sea ice extent in these seas in the winter-spring period reaches maximum values with negligible interannual changes. The exception is the Barents Sea, where interannual variability of sea ice extent increases from December to February. In winter, the vortex edge is often located near the Barents Sea, which leads to an increase in surface temperature and a decrease in sea ice extent. We show that the Barents Sea ice extent in winter can be determined by the shape and location of the tropospheric polar vortex. •The interannual variability of the Barents Sea ice extent reaches 32% in January.•The tropospheric polar vortex edge is often located near the Barents Sea in winter.•The Barents Sea ice cover can be determined by the changes in the polar vortex edge.