Sparse or no snow extends at least as far north as Holy Cross and Crooked Creek; but Sleetmute still has snow cover, as does (much farther inland) McGrath:
The warmth in Bethel has been quite pervasive since early December, and the average temperature since December 1 is the sixth highest on record; 1979 holds the record. 2018 (second place) was quite a bit warmer than this winter so far.
The Kuskokwim 300 race has been postponed because of the poor trail conditions:
However, the latest CPC forecast does suggest a change is on the way:
Also noteworthy is extreme warmth on the North Slope this week; early Sunday saw 41°F at Umiat, which ties the record for January. Temperatures above +40°F were observed from Cape Lisburne in the far west to the easternmost extent of the North Slope - click to enlarge:
Where is all the cold air? Down south is where: New Orleans had a foot of snow today.
It appears the end of January 2025 will bring Siberian cold to Alaska. That should last until my birthday when we return to 8 hrs of daylight. My guess and expectation. The daylight is welcome.
ReplyDeleteAlaska is going to get hammered with cold in February. Gonna be a bit shocking after the last two months.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't be surprising. The warmest Dec-Jan in Bethel was 1984-85, and that was followed by a cold Feb. And I mentioned 1979 in the post, that was a VERY cold Feb statewide.
Delete+38F and rain in Fairbanks. Soon snow then deep cold next week. The bonus is maybe the rain will freeze overwintering mosquitoes; the downside is it's tough on small hibernating mammals.
DeleteDisaster! Winter rain strikes again!
DeleteRain in Fort Yukon as well today - now that's rare.