Sea ice cover exerts critical influence on oceanic, atmospheric, and ecological processes in the Bering Sea. As a fundamental indicator of ice formation, diagnostic research on Early Freeze Onset (EFO) characteristics remains limited. This study examines the spatiotemporal patterns and underlying mechanisms governing the Bering Sea EFO from 2003 to 2021, leveraging the latest microwave remote sensing dataset. The annual EFO in the Bering Sea exhibits a temporal evolution characterized by positive anomalies (2003−2013) followed by marked negative anomalies (2014–2021). Spatially, the most pronounced contrast between the two periods occurs over the continental shelf south of St. Lawrence Island. A spatial restructuring of EFO beginning in 2014—particularly its shift from positive to negative anomalies on the northern Bering Sea shelf—drives the observed temporal variability. This spatial shift stems from preceding meridional sea surface temperature gradient anomalies, triggering a regime shift in Bering Sea warm advection from negative forcing (2003–2013) to positive forcing (2014–2021). Notably, frequent marine heatwave events during 2014–2021 cause abnormal pre-freeze SST warming in southern St. Lawrence Island waters, compounded by suppressed northward heat export. This dual process amplified heat accumulation, ultimately resulting in earlier EFO. This study emphasizes the need to strengthen research on marine heatwaves in the future, and comprehend the repercussions of EFO on ecosystems, fisheries, and local community livelihoods, to devise adaptive management strategies and policies.
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