Alaska is about to be hit with some of the coldest temperatures of the season, and residents across the state need to prepare. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau, you’ll be dealing with frigid conditions, icy roads, and even some snowfall in certain areas. Here’s everything you need to know to stay warm and safe in the coming days.
Anchorage: Cold, but Manageable
Right now, Anchorage is freezing at just 4°F (-16°C) under clear skies. It might look calm outside, but don’t let that fool you—the air is bitterly cold, and any exposed skin can feel numb within minutes.
Here’s what’s coming this week:
- Sunday, Feb 9: Sunny but still icy cold, with a high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 13°F (-11°C). The sunshine will not bring much warmth.
- Monday, Feb 10: More sunshine with temperatures climbing slightly to 25°F (-4°C) during the day and 14°F (-10°C) at night. It is still too cold to be outside for long without proper layers.
- Tuesday, Feb 11: Temperatures rise slightly, hitting 29°F (-2°C) but dropping to 16°F (-9°C) overnight.
- Wednesday to Friday: A mix of sun and clouds, highs staying between 22°F and 26°F (-5°C to -3°C), with overnight lows in the teens.
- Saturday, Feb 15: Expect cloudy skies and a chance of snow, with temperatures around 26°F (-4°C) during the day and 18°F (-8°C) at night.
Fairbanks: Dangerously Cold
If you’re in Fairbanks, prepare for dangerously low temperatures this week. Right now, it’s sitting at -14°F (-25°C), and it will only get worse. These temperatures are not just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening without proper precautions.
- Sunday, Feb 9: The temperature will rise to 9°F (-13°C) but drop back down to -10°F (-24°C) at night.
- Monday, Feb 10: Temperatures will hover around 12°F (-11°C) during the day, then plunge to -7°F (-22°C) at night.
- Tuesday, Feb 11: The cold remains, with a high of 11°F (-12°C) and a low of -14°F (-26°C).
- The rest of the week: Daytime highs will not go above 10-12°F (-12°C to -11°C), and nights will remain well below zero.
- By Friday and Saturday: More sunshine is expected, but no significant relief from the cold.
If you are outside for even a short time, cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can happen in as little as ten minutes in these conditions.
Juneau: A Slight Break from the Extreme Cold
Compared to Fairbanks, Juneau will experience milder temperatures. Right now, it is 22°F (-6°C), which is cold but not nearly as extreme as the interior of the state.
- Sunday to Wednesday: Expect partly sunny skies, with highs around 28-33°F (-2°C to 0°C) and lows dipping into the teens.
- Thursday to Saturday: A little cooler, with highs in the mid-20s°F (-3°C to -5°C) and a chance of snow flurries toward the weekend.
This is still cold, but compared to Fairbanks, it is much more manageable.
How to Stay Safe in This Arctic Blast
With temperatures this extreme, even simple activities can become dangerous. Here’s what you can do to stay warm and safe:
- Limit time outside: If you have to be outdoors, wear insulated gloves, hats, and scarves. Keep all skin covered.
- Be careful on the roads: Icy conditions will be widespread, so drive slowly and keep extra distance between vehicles. Black ice is a serious hazard.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car: If your car breaks down in temperatures below zero, you need blankets, food, and a flashlight to stay safe.
- Check on neighbors and pets: Elderly residents and animals are at high risk in these temperatures. Ensure they have proper shelter and heating.
- Watch for frostbite and hypothermia: If your skin turns white or numb, or if you are shivering uncontrollably, get inside immediately and warm up slowly.
The Bottom Line: Stay Warm and Stay Safe
Alaska’s winter weather is no joke, and this week is going to be especially brutal. If you are in Fairbanks, take extra precautions—these temperatures can be deadly. In Anchorage and Juneau, the conditions will be less extreme, but still dangerously cold. Be prepared, dress appropriately, and check the forecast daily for any sudden weather changes.