by Fairbanks, AK – A harsh cold snap gripping northern Alaska is set to ease as a warming trend and increased snow chances arrive next week. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fairbanks has issued an important forecast update signaling a transition from frigid dryness toward more active winter conditions.
Residents in the Interior and along the West Coast should prepare for a weekend of extreme cold and patchy fog, shifting to milder temperatures and accumulating snow by midweek.
Extreme Cold Grips Interior Alaska This Weekend
Temperatures plunge sharply through Sunday, particularly in remote Interior locations. According to the NWS:
- Bettles will experience lows near –18°F Sunday morning with highs reaching only –4°F.
- Hughes and Selawik expect lows between –10°F and –14°F during the coldest hours.
- Fairbanks will see nighttime lows hovering between –6°F and –12°F through Sunday before warming.
This cold, dry weather is accompanied by localized fog and some light snow, especially along the coastal areas early Saturday morning.
“Most of the Interior will remain dry through the weekend until a broader pattern change begins developing Monday and Tuesday,” said a National Weather Service forecaster.
West Coast Faces Strong Winds and Increasing Snow
A significant shift is underway along Alaska’s West Coast as a low-pressure system in the Bering Sea drives strong winds and snow chances from Nome to Kotzebue and Shishmaref. Highlights include:
- Nome’s highs rising into the mid-20s this weekend.
- Temperatures climbing toward 31°F by Wednesday, marking the first notable warmup in several days.
- Moisture spreading inland, increasing snow chances across the region.
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Warming Trend and Snowfall Expected Next Week
By early next week, a gradual warmup will bring:
- Widespread highs in the teens to 20s across much of northern Alaska.
- Lows moderating above zero in many areas.
- Increased snow chances region-wide, with the greatest likelihood along the West Coast.
Residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely as winter weather conditions evolve. For full details, visit the Country Herald Weather Update.
Preparing for Changing Conditions
Communities across northern Alaska should take precautions against the current cold snap and upcoming weather changes:
- Dress warmly and limit outdoor exposure during extreme cold periods.
- Be prepared for worsening travel conditions due to snow and wind starting early next week.
- Stay informed through local weather alerts and updates.
What do you think about the upcoming weather changes in northern Alaska? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
