The study investigates the impact of declining Arctic sea ice on winter snowfall in North America, Europe, and East Asia. The authors find that the decrease in autumn Arctic sea ice area is linked to changes in the winter Northern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation, which resemble the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation (AO). However, these circulation changes show broader meridional meanders in midlatitudes and different interannual variability compared to the classical AO. These atmospheric circulation changes lead to more frequent blocking patterns, resulting in increased cold surges over large parts of northern continents. Additionally, the reduction in sea ice increases atmospheric water vapor content in the Arctic, providing enhanced moisture sources for heavy snowfall in Europe and the northeastern and midwestern United States. The study concludes that the recent decline of Arctic sea ice has played a critical role in recent cold and snowy winters.The study investigates the impact of declining Arctic sea ice on winter snowfall in North America, Europe, and East Asia. The authors find that the decrease in autumn Arctic sea ice area is linked to changes in the winter Northern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation, which resemble the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation (AO). However, these circulation changes show broader meridional meanders in midlatitudes and different interannual variability compared to the classical AO. These atmospheric circulation changes lead to more frequent blocking patterns, resulting in increased cold surges over large parts of northern continents. Additionally, the reduction in sea ice increases atmospheric water vapor content in the Arctic, providing enhanced moisture sources for heavy snowfall in Europe and the northeastern and midwestern United States. The study concludes that the recent decline of Arctic sea ice has played a critical role in recent cold and snowy winters.