Home / Weather / Alaska Braces for Arctic Blast: Deep Freeze Incoming
Alaska Braces for Arctic Blast: Deep Freeze Incoming
2 Jan
Summary
- Arctic air mass brings extreme cold to Alaska starting New Year's Day.
- Low temperatures could reach minus 25 in Anchorage and minus 45 in Copper Valley.
- Heavy snow and ice sank eight boats in Juneau's harbor.
An intense Arctic air mass is poised to bring frigid temperatures across Alaska, beginning on New Year's Day. Following a brief warm spell, Anchorage and surrounding areas will face the coldest weather of the season, with lows predicted to be well below normal and potentially reaching minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Low-lying and wind-protected areas may experience even colder conditions, while the Susitna Valley anticipates lows of minus 35 and the Copper Valley could see temperatures dip to minus 45, excluding wind chill.
In Southeast Alaska, regions like Skagway and Juneau are digging out from significant snowfall. Juneau has already set a new December record with nearly 80 inches of snow. The severe weather has had direct impacts, with heavy snow and ice causing eight boats to sink in Juneau's harbor as of Wednesday. Harbor crews are struggling to manage the situation, facing resource depletion amid persistent conditions.
Across the state, the extreme cold is causing disruptions. The Alaska Railroad has canceled trains, and police in Fairbanks are warning of hazardous conditions. Some Western Alaska villages are still dealing with intermittent power and water issues stemming from earlier weather events. The Unalaska airport, however, has reopened after runway repairs from a recent storm.
