Latest news with #NWSFairbanks
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Alaska Issued With First Ever Heat Advisory
Alaska has been issued its first ever heat advisory by the National Weather Service (NWS) as an unusual surge of high temperatures grips parts of the state. This weekend, parts of The Lost Frontier State-including areas around Fairbanks-are expected to climb into the mid-80s, with some locations potentially nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit. "We have issued a Heat Advisory for the Fairbanks Area this Sunday afternoon/evening. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 86F, so be sure to take extra precautions if outdoors," NWS Fairbanks wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday afternoon. The advisory underscores the intensifying impacts of climate change in even the most traditionally cold parts of the United States. Alaska's infrastructure, wildlife, and communities are not built to withstand prolonged heat, raising concerns about public health, wildfires, and ecosystem disruption. Heat stress is the leading weather-related cause of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Temperatures will be pushed into the mid-to-upper 80s by Sunday. This is around 10 to 15 degrees above average for the region where normal highs in Fairbanks sit around 72 degrees. This is officially the first heat advisory ever issued in Alaska, but there's a reason why it hasn't happened until now. As of June 2, the NWS offices in Fairbanks and Juneau were granted the authority to issue heat advisories, a change aimed at better communicating the risks posed by extreme heat in a state more familiar with subzero temperatures than sweltering afternoons. According to the new criteria, a heat advisory can be issued when temperatures are expected to reach at least 85 degrees in the interior, 80 degrees in the southeast, and 75 degrees on the North Slope. Sunday's forecast for Fairbanks and its surrounding areas barely clears that threshold, but meteorologists say that doesn't make it any less significant. Experts have warned that the state's buildings, designed to retain warmth in harsh winters, lack air conditioning and ventilation, making even moderate heat potentially dangerous. Climatologist Brian Brettschneider noted on Bluesky that these design choices, critical in winter, can pose some risks when the mercury rises. The advisory goes into effect from 1 to 7 p.m. local time on Sunday. NWS Fairbanks wrote in a post on X earlier this week: "Summer-like temperatures are expected to continue for much of Interior AK this weekend, with most areas seeing temperatures in the upper 70s & low 80s. There's a chance for some isolated showers & thunderstorms this weekend, but mainly for the eastern Interior. Enjoy AK!" Alaskans are being urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on vulnerable individuals. The risk is particularly acute for older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Related Articles Map: Cargo Ship With 3,000 Vehicles Abandoned Off Alaska IslandRare June Winter Storm to Hit Alaska with up to 13 Inches of SnowAlaska Governor: Why the Alaska LNG Pipeline Matters for South Korea's Energy Security | OpinionSome Americans to Receive $1,702 Direct Payment in June: Are You Eligible? 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Alaska Issued With First Ever Heat Advisory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Alaska has been issued its first ever heat advisory by the National Weather Service (NWS) as an unusual surge of high temperatures grips parts of the state. This weekend, parts of The Lost Frontier State—including areas around Fairbanks—are expected to climb into the mid-80s, with some locations potentially nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit. "We have issued a Heat Advisory for the Fairbanks Area this Sunday afternoon/evening. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 86F, so be sure to take extra precautions if outdoors," NWS Fairbanks wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday afternoon. Why It Matters The advisory underscores the intensifying impacts of climate change in even the most traditionally cold parts of the United States. Alaska's infrastructure, wildlife, and communities are not built to withstand prolonged heat, raising concerns about public health, wildfires, and ecosystem disruption. Heat stress is the leading weather-related cause of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). What To Know Temperatures will be pushed into the mid-to-upper 80s by Sunday. This is around 10 to 15 degrees above average for the region where normal highs in Fairbanks sit around 72 degrees. This is officially the first heat advisory ever issued in Alaska, but there's a reason why it hasn't happened until now. As of June 2, the NWS offices in Fairbanks and Juneau were granted the authority to issue heat advisories, a change aimed at better communicating the risks posed by extreme heat in a state more familiar with subzero temperatures than sweltering afternoons. According to the new criteria, a heat advisory can be issued when temperatures are expected to reach at least 85 degrees in the interior, 80 degrees in the southeast, and 75 degrees on the North Slope. Sunday's forecast for Fairbanks and its surrounding areas barely clears that threshold, but meteorologists say that doesn't make it any less significant. Experts have warned that the state's buildings, designed to retain warmth in harsh winters, lack air conditioning and ventilation, making even moderate heat potentially dangerous. Climatologist Brian Brettschneider noted on Bluesky that these design choices, critical in winter, can pose some risks when the mercury rises. The advisory goes into effect from 1 to 7 p.m. local time on Sunday. What People Are Saying NWS Fairbanks wrote in a post on X earlier this week: "Summer-like temperatures are expected to continue for much of Interior AK this weekend, with most areas seeing temperatures in the upper 70s & low 80s. There's a chance for some isolated showers & thunderstorms this weekend, but mainly for the eastern Interior. Enjoy AK!" What Happens Next? Alaskans are being urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on vulnerable individuals. The risk is particularly acute for older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Miami Herald
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Alaska Severe Winter Storm to Hit with up to 13 Inches of Snow
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Alaska's central Brooks Range, warning of heavy snow later this week that could significantly disrupt travel through Atigun and Anaktuvuk Passes. The advisory, released Monday by NWS Fairbanks, covers the area south of Toolik Lake and remains in effect from Thursday evening through late Friday night. Forecasts call for snow totals ranging from 7 to 13 inches. Interactive maps from showed the areas expected to be hit by the extreme weather. June marks the thaw and breakup season for most of Alaska. Though unusual, June snowfall is not unprecedented in the Brooks Range, which features elevations exceeding 4,000 feet. Snowstorms this time of year can occur when lingering Arctic air masses meet unusual atmospheric patterns, funneling colder air south into interior Alaska. The impacted region includes Atigun Pass, a critical segment of the Dalton Highway-a major supply and transportation route for Alaska's Arctic. According to NWS, it will start to snow later on Wednesday. The heaviest accumulation is expected between Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. The forecast notes the storm could result in "difficult travel conditions," especially through high-altitude mountain passes. Earlier this year, Alaska experienced a lack of snow during winter months. The 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race faced significant challenges due to unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of snow across Alaska. Organizers were compelled to relocate the official start from Anchorage to Fairbanks, marking the fourth such move in the race's history. This decision was driven by unsafe trail conditions, particularly near Nikolai, where no snowfall had occurred since late January. The absence of snow and permafrost posed serious risks to the sled dogs, including potential injuries from mud and exposed terrain. The NWS bulletin emphasized the storm's potential to create hazardous travel: "Plan on difficult travel conditions," the agency advised. Local emergency planners and transportation agencies are monitoring the forecast closely. The Winter Storm Watch could be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as confidence in the snowfall totals and impacts increases. Residents, truck drivers, and other travelers along the Dalton Highway are advised to monitor forecasts and plan accordingly for potentially treacherous conditions. Though Alaska's summer daylight is nearly at its peak, the return of heavy snow to mountain routes underscores the climate extremes that persist in the state's northern interior. The projected 7 to 13 inches of accumulation marks one of the higher June snowfall forecasts in recent years for this region-notable, but not outside the range of historical norms. Related Articles Alaska Governor: Why the Alaska LNG Pipeline Matters for South Korea's Energy Security | OpinionSome Americans to Receive $1,702 Direct Payment in June: Are You Eligible?Man, 87, on 'Bucket List' Trip Not Prepared for Note He Gets From Flight AttendantUS Shutting Nursing Facilities Despite Ageing Population 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
